The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook this past offseason in an effort to form a Big 3 that could compete with the Brooklyn Nets.
It came at a hefty cost.
Westbrook is in the midst of a 5-year, $206 million contract that is set to pay him $44.2 million this season and $47.1 million next season.
Given Westbrook’s age, injury history and reputation – this is a big bet by LA. Some think it’ll pay major dividends; others think it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Westbrook has been hard at work over the past month. He has been killing it in the gym to improve on the court, and he has been doing a lot of press off it to promote his new run in LA.
During a recent conversation with Jimmy Kimmel, Westbrook touched on a number of topics.
One particularly interesting one: the team he had secretly wanted to play for his entire career.
That team?
The Lakers.
“Secretly yes,” he said. “I think every player eventually play home. And I think now the timing is right, the setting is right, the team is right. Everything is in line.”
Clearly Westbrook is focused on finally winning that elusive NBA championship this year. So much so, in fact, that he and rival-turned-teammate Rajon Rondo have come to an awkward, weird truce. Business is the only thing on his mind.
McKayla Maroney knows how to go viral. https://t.co/ugyzOr3RqA
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 5, 2021
Westbrook finally has everything he has ever wanted. He is playing for the franchise he has secretly always wanted to suit up for, is teaming up with arguably the greatest player of all time, and has a relatively clear path to the NBA Finals this year.
Will 2021-22 prove to be the best season of his career? Time will tell.
Related: Stephen Curry Leaks Plans For Final Warriors Roster Spot
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.
