Former MVP Russell Westbrook is not a fan favorite in Los Angeles. His displays for the Los Angeles Lakers have garnered a lot of criticism from many fans and analysts. And many fans have already made it clear that they do not want him on the team. However, it is easier said than done. When the Lakers traded for Westbrook, there were huge expectations. His addition alongside superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis was dubbed to be one of the best trios in the league. But that was far from the case.
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Westbrook and the Lakers struggled throughout the season and failed to make the playoffs. After they could not seal a spot in the play-in tournament, the fans were really disappointed. And demanded some serious changes to be made. As soon as the season ended, the Lakers parted ways with head coach Frank Vogel.
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But there have been no major roster changes in the off-season so far, except the inclusion of former Clippers guard Patrick Beverley. The front office recently appointed Darvin Ham as the new head coach. And he revealed that he is excited to work with a player like Westbrook.
Russell Westbrook is “very open” to a move
Throughout the off-season, there have been many rumors about the future of Russ for the purple & gold franchise. But nothing materialized, and it looked like he would stay in LA for the upcoming season. However, as per recent developments, Westbrook is still “very open” to a move away from the Lakers.
“Russ is very open to a trade,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne has reported. “He hasn’t asked for a trade. I’ve been assured of that. But he’s open to that,” she added.
Here are some of the reactions to the news on Twitter:
I’m “very open” to getting divorced. Don’t mean it’s gonna happen
Whoever is in his ear needs to tell him harsh truth. Empowering him and letting him be Russell of old isn't indicative of winning. If he learned how to play under control and off of two other stars, he could complement bron/ad well. Attack second units but be under control
Well lakers what y’all waiting for 🙄
So he still wants to be the Russ of old. That’s cool and all but it won’t work on this Lakers team. Darvin Ham needs to stop trying cos he’ll ruin his first head coaching gig. Let that man move on if they can find a trading partner.
ZERO teams want Russ those days are over. The Lakers would’ve traded him already if they could.
Lakers open to a trade. Russ open to a trade. Rest of NBA not open to trading for a 47m Russ.
This tracks with how Westbrook exited Houston. Even though he made it out of the 1st round for the first time in 4 years with HOU, he told the Rockets front office that he was tired of adapting & changing for Houston’s style & wanted to be triple-double Russ running and gunning.
Russell Westbrook is ‘very open’ to a trade, per ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne “He hasn’t asked for a trade. I’ve been assured of that. But he’s open to that and somebody who wants him and wants to empower him and wants him to be Russell Westbrook of old.” (h/t HoopsHype)
The fans are clearly not happy with Russell Westbrook and think he is not willing to adapt. And they want him traded as well. But there are few suitors for the triple-double machine.
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Westbrook’s struggles last year were very evident. With the unavailability of Anthony Davis for the most part of the season, the Lakers struggled. The Big-3 of Westbrook, Davis, and James rarely played together last season. For someone who averaged triple-double for 3 straight seasons for the Oklahoma City Thunder and then another season for the Washington Wizards, it was a bad season.
Last season Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game. This is the first time he has averaged below 20 points in the last decade. Even though the numbers are not really bad, it is still bad considering his reputation. And he did show some flashes of genius. So wherever he plays next season, it will be interesting to see how Westbrook responds to this hiccup.