The Russell Westbrook Era in Los Angeles came to a merciful conclusion this week when the Lakers traded him to the Utah Jazz.
It took three teams and eight players to get it done, but Westbrook is finally out of L.A. after two horrendous years with the purple and gold.
No more drama. No more hats with subliminal messages to Lakers fans.
Over the past 24 hours the Jazz have made it clear that the organization plans to buy Westbrook out. Where does he go from there?
That’s where things get interesting.
According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Los Angeles Clippers have their eye on Westbrook.
“The Los Angeles Clippers are said to have interest in the star guard,” he tweeted.
As noted by Law Murray of The Athletic, the interest seems to be mutual.
If not the Clippers, the Chicago Bulls also seem to be considering adding Westbrook.
“The Chicago Bulls are interested in signing Russell Westbrook should he secure a buyout with the Utah Jazz,” Haynes added.
Finally, if neither of those deals comes to fruition, the Miami Heat are expected to be in play for Westbrook. As noted by Brian Windhorst of ESPN, both sides would be open to making something work.
While it remains to be seen where Westbrook ultimately ends up, what everyone can seemingly agree on is that it is great he is off the Lakers.
And the Lakers seem happier than anyone.
“As one source told me, ‘you remove a vampire from the locker room’.”
Dave McMenamin spoke on the Lakers moving on from Russell Westbrook. pic.twitter.com/l4uCxvKo91
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 9, 2023
“As one source told me, ‘you remove a vampire from the locker room,’” Dave McMenamin of ESPN stated on Thursday.
McMenamin is known for two things. First, his girlfriend at ESPN. And secondly, how plugged-in he is into all things Lakers. If he is saying this about the situation, you know it’s true.
The Lakers have finally gotten their wish.
Chiefs gotta win the Super Bowl now. https://t.co/YyWwIi3osR
— Game 7 (@game7__) February 9, 2023
Westbrook is gone.
Now it’s time to see who the problem was. If Westbrook thrives with any one of the Heat, Clippers or Bulls – it will reflect very poorly on the Lakers.
Conversely, if the Lakers start winning without Westbrook, it will likely do irreparable damage to the former MVP’s legacy.
Related: Kyrie Irving Calls Out Brooklyn Nets For Disrespecting Him
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
