Russell Westbrook’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers was a dark one.
His fit next to Anthony Davis and LeBron James was always questionable, and he was often the team’s scapegoat.
Even though he was the second-best player on the team in his first season, he was still blamed for their shortcomings, which was unfair and incorrect.
The fans were ruthless to him, and while the team fared better once they flipped his contract to get more role players, he wasn’t the only issue there.
Now, he’s been able to turn the narrative around.
He looks happy to play again, and the Los Angeles Clippers have constantly reaffirmed just how important he is to their aspirations.
That’s why a reporter asked him about the biggest difference from his previous tenure at Crypto.com Arena, noting that he looks way happier now (via Joey Linn).
Russell Westbrook on why he’s happier with the Clippers than he was on the Lakers:
Russ: “Long list. But we don’t got enough time for that today… I’m very grateful for an opportunity and a team that wanted me during a tough time…” pic.twitter.com/gJLFcdbvwI
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) November 1, 2023
Westbrook jokingly admitted that he didn’t have enough time to address the long list of reasons why he feels better now, stating that he’s just happy for the opportunity to join a team that actually wanted him.
He said that the team and the organization embraced him from day one, thanking them for believing in him during a difficult time for him, both personally and basketball-wise.
Westbrook has always given 110% on the court, and while he’s been erratic and made his fair share of mistakes throughout his career, you can never question his heart.
Fortunately for him, he’s now finally somewhere he’s truly wanted and appreciated.
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