Russell Westbrook is one of the greatest NBA players. Few would doubt that he is a future Hall of Famer. Russ is arguably the best rebounder of the last decade or so, and his records speak for themselves.
Apart from over 200 triple-doubles, Russ won the MVP award in 2017 and the scoring title twice. So when a player of his quality was paired up with LeBron James for the LA Lakers in 2021, there was excitement among fans to see them perform together. However, the duo tanked, and neither LeBron nor Russ was at their best. Russ’ percentages went to a career low during his time with the Lakers, and eventually, the partnership had to be broken.
His falling out with the Lakers took him to the Clippers in 2023 and the Nuggets in 2024, but he couldn’t find his top form anywhere. Many were frustrated to see Russ struggle like that, and one of them is Patrick Beverley.
“Oh God, it’s f*cked up what happened to Russ. And Russ got a bad take because of that Lakers team. That’s the truth, bro. Ever since Russ left the Lakers, bro, he’s been on a minimum, bro. We’ve never seen this ever. We’ve never seen a player who’s been the MVP, who’s impacted the game, who they call him names and tell him that he can’t shoot,” Pat Bev sounded off on how Russ was treated by the Lakers (46:50).
He continued:
“Go to the playoffs, shoot 40 with the Clippers the very next year. Take a less demeaning role with the Clippers. He’s been a sixth man ever since he left the Lakers. He’s a starting point guard in the NBA. He’s arguably one of the top three point guards to ever play the game. You tell me this man can’t get on a team all because he’s passionate, all because he stretches with the team every single f*cking practice, all because if it’s a team out, he’s there all the f*cking time. All because if you talk to anyone around the league, Russell is the best teammate I ever have.”
Russ was without a team for the first time in his decorated career, as Patrick Beverley expressed his disappointment. Having shared the change room with Russ at the Lakers, Beverley was furious with how Russ’ life changed after his time in LA.
Russell Westbrook Signs With Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings have signed Russell Westbrook on a one-year contract. The 36-year-old was without a team during this offseason after an average season with the Nuggets. He averaged 13.3 points, 49 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. This was a big letdown from his career average of 21.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists.
The 9x All-Star now has a team for the next season. At 36, Russ is closer to the end of his career. The veteran will bring a lot of experience to the Kings, who apparently needed a quality backup at the point guard position.
Westbrook also has strong bonds with Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine, which would certainly help build team chemistry. Is this the right move for Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings?
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