Speaking to the media ahead of his matchup against his former team, Russell Westbrook looked back on what makes his current situation different than his run with the Lakers. As Russ explained with a smile, there’s not a singular reason for his positive vibes — rather, it’s the result of being finally free to be himself both on and off the court.
“Long list. But we don’t got enough time for that today… I’m very grateful for an opportunity and a team that wanted me during a tough time… just for myself and basketball-wise being able to come to a spot where I was embraced. I told myself I would give like I always have and I would be the best I possibly be. This game is supposed to be fun, that’s who I am, that’s the energy I bring. That joy to me is what makes me who I am.”
Russell Westbrook on why he’s happier with the Clippers than he was on the Lakers:
Russ: “Long list. But we don’t got enough time for that today… I’m very grateful for an opportunity and a team that wanted me during a tough time…” pic.twitter.com/gJLFcdbvwI
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) November 1, 2023
Westbrook’s best days are behind him now, but he’s found a new home with the Clippers where he can end his career on his terms. This season, Russ’ influence remains unknown, but he’s expected to play a big role in one way or another.
The Lakers Couldn’t Get It Done With Westbrook
By acquiring Russell Westbrook in 2021, the Lakers hoped to ease the burden on LeBron James, who has been nearing the end of his storied career. While Russ did average 18.5 points per game in his first season with LeBron, the results were less than ideal for the Lakers, who suffered loss after loss.
Eventually, Westbrook’s mistakes made him an easy scapegoat when things went wrong and the situation turned from sour to toxic over the course of months. By the end of it, neither Russ nor the Lakers wanted any part of each other and he’d be traded by the deadline of next season. That point was a dark chapter of Westbrook’s career, and we weren’t sure if he’d be able to recover. But since rejoining the Clippers in February, he’s been playing pretty well.
Westbrook Is Back To The Bench
In Clipperland, Westbrook has been able to start alongside Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, but it may not last for much longer. With James Harden on the team, it likely moves Russ to the bench, which created all kinds of problems with the Purple and Gold.
If Westbrook can keep his current state of mind, and embrace a role as the sixth man for this unit, it will do a lot to change the narrative of his career. As a former teammate of Harden’s, Russ already has experience playing with the guy — now it’s just a matter of making it work where it didn’t before. The Clippers, 3-1 on the campaign so far, play their first rivalry game of the season on Wednesday with a game against the Lakers in Crypto.com arena. For Russ, it will be a chance for him to get a little revenge on the guys who pushed him out and smeared his legacy.
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