![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-01-16T052804Z_1071890726_MT1USATODAY19799355_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PHILADELPHIA-76ERS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-LAKERS.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 15, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts following the loss against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-01-16T052804Z_1071890726_MT1USATODAY19799355_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PHILADELPHIA-76ERS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-LAKERS.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 15, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts following the loss against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Paul George and Russell Westbrook’s friendship has been a hot topic in the NBA over the years. Their partnership while playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder was impressive, coupled with intense competitiveness and mutual respect. Rumors have suggested that Paul wants Russell on the LA Clippers roster for a long time. However, Paul’s recent statement on Westbrook echoing similar sentiments added further fuel to the fire. Any decision on Westbrook’s future depends on multiple factors. Meanwhile, Paul George’s recent statement gave the NBA fans a lot to talk about, even prompting accusations of tampering.
The Lakers trying to get rid of Russell Westbrook has been an open secret even before the season started. Subsequently, after the 2017 MVP was traded by the LA side, Paul George has displayed unprecedented interest in him and has even hinted at a trade if Westbrook reaches a buyout with his current team, the Utah Jazz. George’s renewed interest might be a result of the Clippers’ roster lacking a legitimate presence at the Point Guard position.
Paul George’s plea to Russell Westbrook ignites tampering rumors among fans
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Paul George’s recent statement about Russell Westbrook has caused a stir among NBA fans. The heat around PG13’s desire for Westbrook to join the LA Clippers has increased during the ongoing NBA trading season. George believes that Russell still has a lot of potential and can bring great value to the Clippers. According to Clippers beat writer Tomer Azarly, Paul George stated, “If somebody’s out there – Russell – it would definitely improve our team… hopefully Russel sees this.” This statement immediately sparked speculations of “tampering” as fans took to social media to express their opinions.
Paul George:
“If somebody’s out there — Russell — it would definitely improve our team… hopefully Russell sees this.”
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/liqNeq7uaI
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 11, 2023
Read more : 1 Day After Wife’s Heartbreaking Admission, Big Update Emerges on Russell Westbrook’s Next NBA Team
One fan commented, “this has to be tampering.” Here are some fan reactions:
this has to be tampering
— ً (@PjTheHero) February 11, 2023
Lmao he’ll probably write the cheque and leave a tip considering how badly he clearly wants Russ 😭
— Oladipo Stan #1 (@SebPlaying) February 11, 2023
Is this not tampering orrrrrrrr???
— Samson (@DiceyTakes) February 11, 2023
How is this not tampering? There has been no buyout
— Matt Walsh (@Bowlerwalsh24) February 11, 2023
this gotta be tampering
— Dixon (@DixonWalsh) February 11, 2023
Despite the Lakers sending Russell Westbrook to Utah earlier this week as part of a three-way deal, there’s a possibility that he could stay with the Jazz for the rest of the season or even get a buyout. However, Paul George’s plea to Russell Westbrook has definitely got fans talking and speculating. Whether or not this dream partnership will come to fruition remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – the basketball world will be watching closely.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Paul George and Russell Westbrook’s time together as teammates
Paul George and Russell Westbrook’s friendship dates back years to when they were teammates with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their partnership was legendary, characterized by their intense competitiveness and incredible athleticism.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-12-04T033653Z_451247711_MT1USATODAY17285220_RTRMADP_3_NBA-LOS-ANGELES-CLIPPERS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-LAKERS.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 3, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots a basket as Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) looks on in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Watch this story : ‘Just Won the PIP’: Tiger Woods Finally Breaks Silence on Huge Rumor and Sends Golf World Into a State of Shock
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Despite fans considering Paul’s tweet “tampering”, the duo’s impressive history and powerful chemistry promise to make a significant impact on the Clippers. The future remains uncertain as various factors come into play.