The grueling Russell Westbrook saga with the Los Angeles Lakers has left a sour taste in the mouth of many fans. Unsurprisingly, when Rob Pelinka and Co finally traded away the 9x All-Star to the Utah Jazz at the NBA trade deadline, it appeared most of the Lakers Nation rejoiced. Moreover, many pundits and analysts further criticized the former Laker after a scornful reflection on the past two years. However, amid all the backlash and the wrath of the fans, a former NBA star stood strong with Brodie in the arduous journey. Interestingly, it seems like the 3x All-Star will continue to be ‘team Westbrook’ on the eventful road ahead this season.?
The NBA star in question is former Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas, who recently appeared on Fubo Sports to discuss the tumultuous trade deadline market. While glossing over Westbrook’s potential in the buyout market, Arenas issued a bold championship take that slipped the NBA world into a major uproar.?
Gilbert Arenas’ recent controversial take on Russell Westbrook
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Over the past few years, Gilbert Arenas has emerged as a rare Russell Westbrook supporter. In the past, on multiple occasions, Arenas has defended the 2017 MVP amid his struggles on the Lakers’ squad. Meanwhile, following last week’s tumultuous trade deadline, Arenas issued a bold take on Westbrook’s future in his recent appearance on?Fubo Sports.?
While addressing Westbrook’s situation, Arenas issued glowing praise for the 2x scoring champion’s work ethic and immense potential coming off the bench. Moreover, he called out the teams around the league for their ‘stupidity’ for not picking up Brodie from the buyout market. He said, “I see that no one’s offering him and no one’s trying to pick him up y’all are idiots but that’s what I’m saying, stupidity!”
Furthermore, he campaigned for Westbrook to be picked up by the existing contenders like the Phoenix Suns, the Golden State Warriors, and the Philadelphia 76ers, among others. Likewise, after making a seemingly convincing argument backed by stats, he issued a bold championship take involving the former Laker. He passionately exclaimed, “This man alone changes, he changes, he changes who wins the championship this year, believe it or not.”
Read More – REPORTS: Russell Westbrook to Play With 2 Superstars on Next Team
Unsurprisingly, Arenas’ controversial take ensued a social media storm soon after.?
NBA world stunned by Arenas’ shocking take
Arenas’ bold Westbrook take did not sit well with fans. Many took to social media to vehemently oppose the controversial opinion. Moreover, some fans even jokingly questioned whether Arenas had taken some form of compensation from Westbrook’s camp to push his agenda.
Here are some fan reactions on Twitter:
This is yet another godawful Gilbert Arenas take. https://t.co/rKNJXErnKX
— Dart_Adams (@Dart_Adams) February 17, 2023
How much did Russ pay you to say that?
— Rizy (@LordRizy) February 17, 2023
If by impact he means in a negative way, and if by changes who wins the championship means it torpedoes their chances, I agree.
— Craig (@clarson8402) February 17, 2023
https://twitter.com/Lakers_JJ/status/1626629240321097731
🤣😂🤣… he changes IT alright lol
— L1pp (@Tony_Lippett14) February 17, 2023
I’m not listening to the guy that said giannis doesn’t know what it takes to be great. Especially when it comes to the team Giannis plays on
— buc (@_giannis__) February 17, 2023
Yeah, that team will definitely not be in the playoffs. 😂😂😂 Great insight Gil @Ekchronicles @businessbarry1 https://t.co/FzG3alZtvA
— 🐍🖤 (@LivefromAK) February 17, 2023
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former nba players having a platform as analysts is almost never a good idea https://t.co/8o4UEVAhEc
— m (@markselltheteam) February 17, 2023
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What are your thoughts on Arenas’ take? Let us know in the comments below.
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