After over a decade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook left the organization in 2019 to pursue a Championship that OKC was clearly not close to winning.
In the years since then, Russ has experienced nothing but mediocrity and fan backlash in the aftermath of failed experiments with the Rockets and Wizards.
Now, he’s having one of his worst seasons yet in L.A. With his numbers down across the board, Russ has become universally hated and shunned by fans, analysts, and even executives around the league.
In one rant by an unnamed insider, they go so far as to bash the guy for leaving Oklahoma City only to become hated by every team he has played for since.
“Is Russell Westbrook happy now? He could be scoring 25 a game in Oklahoma City but instead Houston hates him, Washington half hates him, and L.A. definitely hates him.”
Anonymous league insider blasts Russell Westbrook for leaving OKC
“Is Russell Westbrook happy now? He could be scoring 25 a game in Oklahoma City but instead Houston hates him, Washington half hates him, and L.A. definitely hates him.”
(Via https://t.co/nZ8io6YNsI) pic.twitter.com/JYMKqYSei7
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 9, 2022
Westbrook was beloved and appreciated when he donned a Thunder jersey. There, he had some success with a team that knew how to maximize his game. Even now, Russ is largely seen as the greatest Thunder player ever.
“In about 30 minutes I’m going to give my opinion on @SportsCenter on why Believe that Russell Westbrook is the best player to have ever put on a Oklahoma City Thunder Jersey!!! He is MR. THUNDER,” Tweeted Kendrock Perkins in 2020.
Unfortunately, the 9x All-Star has struggled to fit in with other teams. he butted heads with James Harden in Houston, failed to maximize his potential with Bradley Beal, and has yet to figure out how to be effective with the Lakers.
In the meantime, his reputation and value as a player in this league have taken an enormous hit.
It all really makes you wonder if he would have been better off staying with the Thunder all those years ago.
