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Russell Westbrook’s Surprising Offer To Bradley Beal Before Joining LeBron James At Lakers Revealed

Published 09/27/2021, 12:00 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

This season’s NBA Draft was rather exciting but even terrifying for the Washington Wizards, as rumors were afloat about Bradley Beal making a decision to exit or stay with the franchise. This was amidst all the talk surrounding the trade that eventually did take place in which Beal’s 1-year teammate, Russell Westbrook was shipped off to the Los Angeles Lakers. Although Beal decided to stick around, Westbrook had tried to tempt Beal into choosing otherwise.

How did Russell Westbrook make his trade happen?

USA Today via Reuters

Westbrook had been wanting to go back to an LA team for a long time. Exactly 2 years ago, he was at the cusp of being moved to the LA Clippers. However, it was Kawhi Leonard who destroyed that chance by choosing to team up with Paul George instead. So, when a trade to the Lakers started to look like a possibility, he was all in.

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But when a big hiccup came in between, Russell was shattered. He received news that the purple and gold were in talks of trading Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma. The two salaries that would make his move to the Lakers possible.

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On reaching this dead end, he turned to Ted Leonsis for help. It was this request that led to the chain of events that eventually helped the Lakers add a third superstar to their roster, alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But there is one thing nobody knows, and that’s Westbrook’s attempt to leave with Bradley Beal.

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How did he try to steal Bradley Beal away from the Wizards?

USA Today via Reuters

Before Russell Westbrook turned to Leonsis, sources have revealed that he even tried to convince Bradley Beal to want an out from the Washington Wizards. Just a few weeks prior to the NBA Draft. Since that did not happen, all Russell wanted was to get Beal’s blessing about his move to LA. Thankfully, he did.

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Westbrook may have moved on pretty quickly, but it seems like Beal isn’t ready to say goodbye to the franchise he has built his career with. However, almost everyone feels like he deserves to be in a team that helps him achieve the NBA championship, which such a talented player deserves. Do you think he is going to be with the Wizards for good? Or will he eventually decide to leave?

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Written by:

Yashima Bhatia

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Yashima Bhatia is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports who specialises in providing nuanced predictions and updates for matches. She has a Bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication. Yashima's love for playing the game came up at a young age, when the excitement of the games coupled with the intensity of the Playoffs had her hooked.
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