USA Today via Reuters
Nov 8, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) controls the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 8, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) controls the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
No one could have imagined the season turning out so badly for Russell Westbrook. No one could have predicted that the Los Angeles Lakers would have struggled this much. The former OKC star had high hopes that this could be his chance to win his first title, but the path to it is getting difficult day by day.
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The Lakers traded for Westbrook to form a big 3 with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They had given up a lot for him and expected great things from him. However, the California native has only disappointed so far. Westbrook is averaging a lowly 18.1 points on 43 percent shooting while shooting less than 30 percent from three. The Lakers have struggled all season long and they are currently in the ninth spot in the West and are seven games below .500.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 17, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) was given a technical foul for his reaction after a dunk over Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) in the first half of the game at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
And now reports have come out that state both the parties are finding a way to end this partnership. The Lakers and Westbrook have both agreed that it would be in the best interests of both parties to find Russ a new home. The Lakers have decided that they want to be done with this experiment as soon as possible and move on from this.
Report: Lakers and Russell Westbrook have 'mutual interest' in finding him a new home this offseason https://t.co/5KBVqHBV3F
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) March 2, 2022
Lakers fans react to reports about Russell Westbrook
The Lakers can’t believe the reports about Westbrook. Many were ecstatic about hearing the news.
He finna go to the Knicks ain't he https://t.co/xuLQ3Vq8CP
— Hashira (@Hisenberg00) March 2, 2022
WATCH THIS STORY: NBA Legend recall getting humiliated by Michael Jordan
Lakers fans rn pic.twitter.com/42FT3EYjn4
— Marceasy ✪ (@Marceasy_) March 2, 2022
Good luck moving that contract pic.twitter.com/RDCIpATxKs
— The Process ✚ The Beard (@BannedKingJolly) March 2, 2022
Looking for a new home like pic.twitter.com/6wcaAaOFHF
— Benny and the Legends (@Benny_Legends) March 2, 2022
Send him home and try to give minutes to the 2 way guys and to Talen, Monk, Reaves and Stanley. Also for the love of god find a decent Young C and pick him
— Daangelvid (@Daangelvid) March 2, 2022
*shrugs* guess it’s that time pic.twitter.com/sSrFtJbNYN
— Franklin St Patrick (@handz2k) March 2, 2022
Bron: pic.twitter.com/JPdVpA2mCL
— Mike (@m1kephenix) March 2, 2022
..I have just the home in mind. pic.twitter.com/ULFEeJMjka
— Les Kelly (@ChasingKensho) March 2, 2022
— Crispy1Z1 | Soon ⏳ (@Crispy1z1) March 2, 2022
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What went wrong for Russ and the Lakers?
The signs were there from the beginning, as the Lakers didn’t have that much spacing when Russ was on the floor. He was not shooting well to start off. Subsequently, the injuries hit them. First, it was LeBron James, then it was Anthony Davis, and then Russ missed more time. The Lakers never really found that chemistry and Westbrook never found an identity.
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The media and the fans have blamed the majority of the struggles on Westbrook. However, they have been unfair to him at times. The Lakers have been also dealing with injuries all season long. Many fans have asked Westbrook to be traded, but the Lakers weren’t able to find anything enticing enough for him. Looking at the recent reports, it seems like the experiment is done.
