Russell Westbrook had a rollercoaster season. He started the year next toLeBron James at the Lakers, and he ended the campaign trying to savethe Clippers in a challenging playoff series against the Suns.
The former NBA MVP has significantly changed his image in the league, as he went from being demoted to a bench role by the Purple and Gold to shining for the crosstown rivals in the postseason.
Brodie did everything he could to keep his team alive, but in the end, the absence of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George proved costly. Following the Clippersā elimination to Phoenix, Westbrook got real on changing the Lakers for the LA rivals.
Russell Westbrook says he feels much happier with the Clippers than at the Lakers
āOnce I got traded. Immediately, to be honest. From that moment, honestly, mentally, I was in a better place,ā Westbrook said after the Clippersā elimination from the playoffs, via RealGM.
āYou know what, this will be probably my first time actually in my career being able to make a decision,ā he added. āOne thing I do tell you is that I love it here. I love the people, just the fans overall embracing not just me but my family and close friends. I know a lot of things have happened [this season], but Iām grateful. I definitely love being here.
āAs far as making a decision, I guess Iāll cross that bridge when I get there. I donāt really know my process because itās kind of my first time doing this. So weāll see what happens.ā
Westbrookās stint with the Purple and Gold didnāt go to plan, as he struggled to perform and was constantly blamed for the teamās shortcomings. On the other hand, he thrived with the Clippers and even came close to keepingtheir season alive almost single-handedly.
At the end of the day, parting ways turned out to be the best for everyone. The Lakers went on to rebuild their roster, and Westbrook found a place where he could get back to his best and enjoy his game after a long time.Now, Brodie will have to decide whether to stay in LA or explore the free agency.
