The Los Angeles Clippers are looking at former Laker Russell Westbrook as a potential starter alongside the team’s superstar duo Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
The 34-year-old was traded to the Utah Jazz in a three-team trade, and while Westbrook has spoken to his new franchise about a potential buyout, he is also carefully considering his options for his next destination. He has acquired permission to talk to the Clippers, the Miami Heat, and the Chicago Bulls.
As far as his role with the Clippers goes, the guard was seen as a starter along with Leonard and George. Per The Athletic:
The Clippers would see Westbrook as a potential starter with George, Kawhi Leonard, Marcus Morris Sr., and Ivica Zubac. That does not mean Westbrook would close, as Lue coaches off of the feel around George and Leonard.
The potential challenges with Westbrook come down to what Frank is concerned with — poor shooting, diminished finishing ability, high turnover rate, and inconsistent defensive focus. The best version of Westbrook pushes the pace, draws fouls at a high rate, makes plays for bigs and shooters, rebounds at a high rate, and defends his position.
Westbrook isn’t without flaws, as aforementioned, but he was a force off the bench for the Lakers, averaging 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in the 52 games he played this season. Add to this is his own desire to play in his hometown, and suiting up for the Clippers will be another chance to play in LA.
Paul George Believes In Russell Westbrook’s Abilities
As far as faith in the guard goes, Westbrook’s former OKC teammate and friend and the Clippers superstar believe that the constantly scrutinized guard has more than enough gas left in the tank and can be a good fit with the team.
While they are a good team at this point, George welcomed the idea of pairing up with Westbrook again.
“If there’s somebody out there, Russell. You know, if it makes sense and obviously it goes with our team, we’re all for it. We’re all for having a point guard. But you know, in saying that, I think we’re good as well if nothing happens. I think we’ve got enough in this locker room to make it work. But it would definitely improve our team… Make the game easy. Hopefully Russell sees this, and we figure something out.”
For now, Westbrook has been weighing his options and has been looking at the All-Star break as a way to rejuvenate before he takes a call on his future.
Only time will tell if he will indeed play for the Clippers and rediscover the mojo that he once had.
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