Of all the rivalries in the NBA, the battle for Los Angeles arguably ranks as one of the best. Ever since the birth of the Los Angeles Clippers in 1981, LA has had two teams. As the mighty Los Angeles Lakers had to share their home, many disregarded the Clippers as a team of the City of Angels. And it seems Russell Westbrook shares the same thought. Despite being born and brought up in LA, Brodie wanted no part in the history of the Clippers, according to Washington Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard.

While Westbrook spent just a single season in Washington, his time was memorable. The Wizards began the season with an abysmal 6-17 record. The trade for the MVP was looking more and more like a mistake. However, in the second half of the season, the competitive mentality of the nine-time All-Star encompassed the franchise. They won 17 of their last 23 games to enter the play-in tournament picture. Westbrook had yet another triple-double season, averaging 22.2 points, 11.7 assists, and 11.5 rebounds. Moreover, it was in the Wizards’ colors that Russ would pass Oscar Robertson for the glorious record.

It seemed like the story of the?Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook duo was only brewing. However, that’s when an offer to play for his hometown team, the Los Angeles Lakers came knocking on the door. Sheppard made it clear, Brodie did wish to be a part of the purple and gold history. But when asked about the other team in LA, Brodie apparently rejected the notion right away.

Russell Westbrook only wanted to join the Lakers

While talking to NBC Sports, the Washington Wizards GM spoke about trading away his All-Star point guard. Sheppard revealed Westbrook’s professional approach toward the situation. Notably, despite the opportunity of a lifetime on the table, Brodie didn’t force anything. He never demanded a trade and was ready to return.

Sheppard said: “Russell actually never asked to move on. He just said, ?If I can get to the Lakers, that?d be something I would love to do. If not, I?ll be back here.?”

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However, he was honest with Tommy Sheppard about playing for his hometown. But Westbrook spoke only about the 17-time champions. Likewise, Sheppard asked the 34-year-old about the Los Angeles Clippers, and the former MVP apparently said, “Hell no.”?

His reaction perhaps isn’t surprising as Westbrook has been a fan of the Lakers since his childhood days. Notably, Brodie even skipped classes to attend the championship parades. His LA connection came alive even more as he attended UCLA for two years. However, once the all-time triple-double leader made it to the league, he believed the right time to suit up for his hometown may never come around.

The dream always played around in his mind. But he never saw it coming true. However, that was until last season, when Rob Pelinka pulled off the blockbuster trade to bring in the former MVP. While his stint with the Lakers hasn’t been all that easy, it seems Russell Westbrook has finally figured out his place as the leader of the second unit.

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The purple and gold have won five of their last seven games, recently defeating the 2021 champions the Milwaukee Bucks. Westbrook’s role has arguably been critical in instilling a winning culture back into an organization that seemed finished.

With the come-up from ruins, do you think Westbrook and co. will turn things around this season? Let us know your views in the comments below.