Russell Westbrook recently signed a 2-year /$7,863,263 contract with the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason. Russ was acquired by the Clippers after he was traded away by the Lakers in a complex three-team deal last season. However, while the guard was able to get out of there, many believe that his time with the Purple and Gold may be highly detrimental to his legacy. After all, despite talks of them being a superteam, the Lakers went on to miss the playoffs completely in his first season there. However, in his highly scrutinized 2022-23, and final season with the Lakers, the Triple-Double machine shared a wholesome moment with a reporter. Despite the relatively disappointing year, Westbrook earned $31,105,172 for it. This money was part of the final year of his deal with Oklahoma City Thunders, which he originally signed in 2016.

Advertisement

In a three-team deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz, the Lakers traded Westbrook to the Jazz and received D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley. However, later the former MVP signed a waiver with the Jazz. The incoming of Russell, Vanderbilt, and Beasley on the Lakers’ roster had an immediate impact on their production. They became better defensively and offensively. The Lakers went on to play in the WCF last season, while they were a wider consensus that they were not going to make it to the postseason. On the other hand, Westbrook would soon sign on with the Clippers, and play valiantly to get his new team past the first round. Unfortunately, the absence of both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard would prove too big of a loss for the team. 

Reporter left Russell Westbrook speechless after complimenting him despite the loss

It is very rare to find reporters going easy on Westbrook, let alone giving him credit for his performances. For most of his stint with the Lakers, Russ was the focal point of criticism, an obvious factor for the team’s loss, according to the media. After a loss against the Clippers on 25 January 2023, Westbrook finally had a breath of fresh air. Julia McIntyre, a reporter, showered the former league MVP with praises about his dribbling skills and shot selection. This is what she said;

Advertisement

“Tonight you used impressive dribbling skills to successfully fake out your opponents multiple times. And in the second quarter, you made a jump shot where your body was turned 180 degrees away from the basket. It was just an amazing shot. You are always making these spectacular moves within a split second. So you anticipate doing them or is it just a second nature to you, or do you just not think about it.”

The former Lakers player seemed out of words to reply to her. However, he said “The way you explain it, you need to be around more often. I just go out and try to do the best way I can. Try to find ways to make some shots and make the right play.” Westbrook made 4 of 13 shots from the field and had 17 points in the game. The interaction between Russell and Julia was a wholesome moment to behold and a rare one too. Her compliments clearly left Westbrook a built giddy, with her words perhaps an ode to the years of greatness that Russ has embodied.

Perhaps if he was asked questions such as this one more often, Russ wouldn’t have a strained relationship with NBA reporters.

Terrence Mann opens up about playing alongside Westbrook

Terrence Mann was recently on Podcast P with Paul George and spoke in detail about the impact Westbrook has on the Clippers team. Paul and Terrence are both Russel’s teammates. Speaking on Brodie’s impact on him personally and his team, Mann said that the triple-double machine is very keen to share his knowledge as a veteran in the league.  

Advertisement

“It’s just crazy being on the same team as him. Great teammate. Like I remember, our first or second game together…he got subbed out and he stood up and coached me the whole second quarter. Didn’t sit down one time. I just have the ultimate respect for him! Anytime he walks out that locker room and crosses the line…It’s on!”

Westbrook as a player, of course, has diverse opinions. However, his being a team player has never been in question. He has been a great leader and excellent teammate wherever he has gone.

It is undoubtedly sad to see an apparent decline in Russell’s stature as a player. However, it wouldn’t be too surprising if Westbrook has his best season in years, after being motivated by revenge for being written off. 

Advertisement