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Despite Brutal Lakers Betrayal, Russell Westbrook Finds Uncanny Support in LeBron James’ Ex-Teammate and Long-Time Rival

Published 02/22/2023, 2:38 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

When Russell Westbrook was shipped to the Utah Jazz, no one thought he would be back in LA again. However, just like in a fairytale, Brodie is coming back to the City of Angels, only donning the Los Angeles Clippers colors. After his trade from the Los Angeles Lakers, the 2017 MVP was heavily believed to enter the buyout market. Only days later, he signed his waivers with the Jazz and set his eyes on joining a playoff-contending team. Still sharing the same home as the Purple and Gold, the nine-time All-Star will be joining Kawhi Leonard and former OKC teammate Paul George. On hearing the news, he got a message that might have left fans in shock. It was from his Lakers teammate, Patrick Beverley.

Before becoming a part of Laker history, Beverley was their arch-nemesis. The former All-Defensive guard spent four of his best seasons with the Clippers. He played an integral part in helping them transition from the popular Lob City era. The 34-year-old was the vocal leader of the franchise and brought unrelenting energy to the arena. Beverley is someone who knows how the Clippers operate, and he believes it is a great place for Westbrook.

USA Today via Reuters

On hearing about his former teammates’ trade, he sent a message to the two-time All-Star game MVP congratulating him on joining the Clippers.

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Former Lakers star Patrick Beverley loves Russell Westbrook’s move to the Clippers

There once was a time Brodie and Pat Bev couldn’t even be in the same room together. For years they publicly shamed each other and even had some heated arguments while competing. However, when they joined forces with the Lakers, they formed a bond. In his podcast, Beverley said they are now ‘lifetime dogs’. The two instantly connected and even went out for many dinners. And it seems their friendship wasn’t limited to just the Lakers.

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The now Chicago Bulls star was excited to see his good friend join his former franchise. On the latest episode of his podcast, Beverley revealed he immediately texted the nine-time All-Star on hearing the news. The 34-year-old said, “I texted him soon as I hear about it, and he text me right back. I said, ‘Man you’re gonna love it there. You’re gonna it there man, you’re gonna love it there.”

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The Clippers have already established themselves as one of the Western Conference powerhouses with both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George healthy. However, all season long they have lacked an effective floor general. That is where Russell Westbrook can have the most impact. Averaging 7.5 assists off the bench, the former Lakers star can benefit from the Clippers’ shooting offense. The likes of Nicolas Batum, Eric Gordon, and Robert Covington are all knockdown three-point shooters.

Brodie can instantly inject into the Clipper offense as their primary playmaker. In addition, he is still a reliable third-scoring option behind Leonard and George. Russell Westbrook is expected to clear waivers by Wednesday and can even make his debut as soon as Friday against the Sacramento Kings.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Years before calling himself the goat, LeBron James wanted to honor Michael Jordan, pushing NBA to take a huge step

Following his move to the Bulls, Beverley is determined to take revenge on the Los Angeles Lakers. Do you think Westbrook will have the same mindset for a team he has supported from childhood? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
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Edited by:

Aayush Kapoor