Russell Westbrook stays in Los Angeles! After being traded by the Lakers to the Jazz in a three-team deal that included the Timberwolves, Westbrook was bought out by Utah and ultimately signed with the Clippers on Wednesday.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Westbrook signed for the prorated veteran minimum($784,914).
Westbrook, 34, appeared in 52 games for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, averaging 15.9 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.2 rebounds.
The 14-year NBA veteran has appeared in 1,073 games and holds career averages of 22.5 points, 8.4 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and Lakers.
“Russell is one of the most explosive and competitive players in the NBA,” said Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank in a press release announcing the move. “He has many strengths that can benefit the team and a shared desire to win a championship. We’re delighted to welcome him and his family to the organization.”
A Los Angeles native, Westbrook was the 2016-17 Most Valuable Player. He is a nine-time All-NBA honoree (two first-team selections), nine-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-Star Game MVP (2015, 2016), two-time NBA scoring champion, 2012 Olympic gold medalist with the United States and a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Westbrook is the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles (198) and ranks 10th on the all-time assists list (9,002).
The Clippers were very busy before the trade deadline, and they added Eric Gordon, Bones Hyland, Mason Plumlee, and Westbrook. If it wasn’t clear, it’s clear now that Los Angeles wants to win an NBA title this season.
Back to Westbrook, he can still put up quality numbers and adds something to the Clippers, but will it translate to wins? History may say no; however, the Clippers are a more talented team than the Lakers, and Westbrook’s skill set may be better utilized with the Clippers.
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