A former NBA MVP has agreed to a buyout with the Utah Jazz and join the Los Angeles Clippers in the upcoming season. Russell Westbrook?was traded in a three-team transaction from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Utah Jazz a few days before the trade deadline in February. He then made his way to the Clippers, after clearing waivers of his contract.

Most recently, 5 months following Westbrook’s exit from LeBron James’ Lakers, an NBA champion reveals that Westbrook “saved” the Clippers from doom.

An NBA Champ praises Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook’s debut with the Los Angeles Clippers became the second-highest-scoring game in NBA history. He gave a strong performance. However, the Sacramento Kings’ stunning 176-175 victory in double overtime overshadowed it.

Westbrook, who started at point guard, demonstrated his playmaking skills by scoring 17 points and dishing out an amazing 14 assists. But now, he may need some time to get familiar with the playing style of his new team.

During a recent episode of ‘All The Smoke’ podcast, former NBA champion and Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue was effusive in his praise for the star player: “He’s a tough dude, tough-minded. What he did for our season, him, Plumlee, Bones, and Eric Gordon, what Russ and those guys did coming in for the last 20 games of the season, he saved us. PG goes down and he went to another level.”

He added that he loved him and that he and Westbrook share a great relationship: ” I can be real with him. He could be real with me and um all he wants is the truth.”

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It seems like Westbrook, who has a net worth of $200 million has found a home within the Clippers. But his tenure with the Lakers wasn’t that enjoyable for him.

Russell Westbrook’s lackluster Lakers tenure

Russell Westbrook played 130 turbulent games with the Lakers. And during these games, he struggled to establish his flow playing with LeBron James and the injury-prone Anthony Davis.

The Lakers’ roster did not naturally fit Westbrook’s possession-based style of play during the 2021?22 season, which left fans disappointed with his erratic shooting and turnovers.

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While Westbrook’s stint with the Lakers was marred with difficulties, his move to Clippers may provide him with a new opportunity as he looks to redefine his position on a different team.