The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> were just four wins away from making it to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>Finals, which is crazy, considering how dysfunctional they were to begin the season. Not even <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> or Anthony Davis looked good early in the year.



But the team was able to rally together. Darvin Ham and Rob Pelinka made some moves, and those tweaks helped them reach the Western Conference Finals against all odds.



Nonetheless, Philadelph<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ia 76ers</a> guard Patrick Beverley believes Ham didn’t do a good job with his lineups, and he even blamed him for Russell Westbrook’s struggles.



<h2>Patrick Beverley Calls Out Darvin Ham</h2>



“They should’ve started me, Austin [Reaves], [Russell Westbrook], [LeBron James], and [Anthony Davis],” he said on Gil’s Arena. “All the beef about Russ, maybe none of that happens… It’s ways that you have to operate your team without over-managing it, or over-coaching it. Sometimes you just have to put the dominoes out there.”



“I thought it was. I thought it was bad for Russ. He was the heartbeat of the team,” Beverley added.


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It’s hard to point the finger at just one or two players, but the Lakers did fare much better once they were both gone. It wasn’t a matter of effort; they just weren’t a good fit for the team.

Former Lakers player blames Darvin Ham for Russell Westbrook's struggles

Former Lakers player blames Darvin Ham for Russell Westbrook's struggles - Bolavip US

miniaturas

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant </a>changed the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA’s</a> landscape forever. Back in the 2016 offseason, he took the controversial decision to join the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a>, putting together the most overpowered team in the league.



Durant’s reputation has taken a massive hit ever since. The Warriors were fresh off a 73-win season, and they even knocked down his former team, so fans thought he was looking for an easy championship.



A lot has happened ever since, but the issue has never gone away. And when asked about the reasoning behind that decision, the former MVP may have taken a shot at Russell Westbrook.



<h2>Kevin Durant Took A Shot At His Former Teammates</h2>



“In OKC, I played with a lot of athletes,” Durant said on All The Smoke. “I didn’t play with a lot of skill guys, not like shooters, (or) ball-handlers. So after a while, my game started to grow (and) I was like, ‘I need a change.’ This was before the (2015-16) season even started.”



“I was tired of playing in that system,” Durant continued. “I was tired of being the only guy that can make threes, make jump shots, and consistently make them. So, my mind was already thinking about how can I develop my game more so than the Warriors vs. Thunder, that rivalry. Even if that was a rivalry, I didn’t give a f***.”


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Westbrook has never been an efficient scorer, especially from beyond the arc, so we know where he’s coming from, and this may be one of the reasons why they’re no longer close.

Kevin Durant explains why he left OKC, takes a big shot at Russell Westbrook

Kevin Durant explains why he left OKC, takes a big shot at Russell Westbrook - Bolavip US

Over the past couple of seasons, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/russell-westbrook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russell Westbrook</a> has been overlooked and mistreated by most <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> fan bases, mostly during his tenure with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers.</a>



Westbrook was often scapegoated and blamed for everything that went wrong in Southern California. Even if he showed up to play and was the second-best player on the team in his first season.



Fortunately for him, he found his footing next to Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. That’s why <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a> coach Tyronn Lue tipped his hat off to him for his effort and was thankful to have him back on the team.



<h2>Tyronn Lue Praises ‘Savior’ Russell Westbrook</h2>



“I love Russ. From Day 1,” Lue said. “He’s a tough dude, tough-minded. What he did for our season, him, Plumlee, Bones, and Eric Gordon, what Russ did coming in the last 20 games of the season, he saved us.”



“PG goes down and he went to another level,” continued Lue. “I love him; we got a great relationship. I can be real with him, he can be real with him. All he wants is the truth.”


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Obviously, Westbrook’s heroics weren’t enough to keep the ship afloat without their two best players. Still, it’s nice to know that he’s finally given the praise and recognition he deserves as a future Hall of Famer.

NBA Rumors: Sixers could lose another player besides James Harden to the Clippers

NBA News: Clippers coach Tyronn Lue issues strong warning for Paul George, Kawhi Leonard

Tyronn Lue makes strong revelation about Russell Westbrook - Bolavip US

Tyronn Lue makes strong revelation about Russell Westbrook

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/russell-westbrook" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Russell Westbrook</a>&nbsp;has been widely mistreated over the&nbsp;past couple of years of his&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">NBA</a>&nbsp;career. It all started as soon as he was traded to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Los Angeles Lakers</a>,&nbsp;constantly being scapegoated and harassed by the fans.



For whatever reason, most media members have tried to put Westbrook as a selfish guy and toxic teammate. One even went as far as to&nbsp;call him a vampire in the locker room.



Notably, that’s far from what&nbsp;young Los Angeles Lakers star&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Austin-Reaves-profile-Age-height-college-parents-girlfriend-and-nationality-20230416-0039.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Austin Reaves</a>&nbsp;said about him, praising him as one of the best teammates and people he’s ever been around.



<h2>Austin Reaves Praises Russell Westbrook</h2>



“He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had. As a person, you can’t get much better,”&nbsp;Reaves said in All The Smoke.&nbsp;“I got COVID in December of my rookie year in Minnesota. He reached out 3 or 4 times, asked if I need anything, and offered to send me stuff, whatever I needed.”



“As a person, couldn’t get better. Same as a teammate,”&nbsp;Reaves continued.&nbsp;“He was always empowering everybody to be better and do better and want more.&nbsp;As you said, he gets a bad rap. I don’t really understand why.”


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Westbrook doesn’t get the credit and respect he deserves from the media and some fans. But&nbsp;every single one of his former teammates will always tell you the same thing about him.

Austin Reaves shares strong words about Russell Westbrook - Bolavip US

Austin Reaves shares strong words about Russell Westbrook

When the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> traded for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/russell-westbrook">Russell Westbrook</a> ahead of the 2021-22 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> season, they thought he would form a Big Three next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But nothing went to plan, and despite Darvin Ham‘s effort to make it work, the team eventually let Brodie go.



Westbrook was sent to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team trade before the February deadline last season, but he was cut by his new team. In a shocking turn of events, Russ rediscovered his best version at the Clippers.



Many things have changed for both since they took separate ways, with the veteran guard repairing his reputation in the league while the purple and gold once again became a competitive team. While many blame Westbrook for the Lakers’ previous struggles, Ham is grateful for what Brodie did under his tutelage.



<h2>Darvin Ham has nothing but praise for Russell Westbrook</h2>



“And I told Russ, I said—and shout out to Russ, man. He takes a lot of blame, and everybody seems to want to talk stuff about him … but some of the stuff he has to endure, and he’s still a very, very highly capable basketball player. I appreciate him for just giving it a chance and complying with what I wanted to do and just taking a bullet for the team,” the Lakers head coach said on the #thisleague UNCUT podcast, via ClutchPoints.



“People forget, man, when he came in from that reserve role, and we would put runners and shooters and rim rollers and finishers around him. There’s times they were chanting MVP for Russ. … He brought that energy. And you look up, and now we’ve gone on a 12-to-2 or 10–0 run as soon as he stepped into the lineup off the bench.”


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Ham has a fair point. Even if he struggled with the purple and gold, Westbrook showed a much better version of himself coming off the bench. Even so, parting ways turned out to be the best for everyone.

NBA News: Darvin Ham gets real on Russell Westbrook's time with the Lakers - Bolavip US

NBA News: Darvin Ham gets real on Russell Westbrook's time with the Lakers

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers">Los Angeles Clippers</a> turned out to be the perfect place for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/russell-westbrook">Russell Westbrook</a> after so long. Following a frustrating tenure with the Lakers, the former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> MVP got back to his best with the crosstown rivals.







Even if he struggled a bit at the beginning, Russ quickly settled in next to Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, eventually putting the team on his back when the duo got injured in the playoffs.



Now, Westbrook is set to become a free agent. While many expect him to be back in LA next season, Mark Medina of The Sporting Tribune reports that the Clippers may not be able to afford the 9x All-Star.



<h2>Russell Westbrook may get a bigger salary outside Los Angeles</h2>



“Will that recent history be enough to back up both parties’ sentiments with actual actions? Westbrook would love to stay in his hometown with an organization that made him feel comfortable, but the Clippers can only pay him up $3.8 million to stay,” Medina wrote. “Other NBA executives around the league believe Westbrook could still attract offers worth $10-$15 million per season.



“The Clippers may not have offered that money even if they had the space. Despite gushing about how Westbrook upgraded the point-guard position, the Clippers still tried to acquire Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon last week only for the deal to fall through after becoming concerned with his injury history.”


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Westbrook has revitalized his career after a very disappointing time with the Lakers, so he will probably draw a lot of interest in the open market. He clearly felt happy at the Clippers, but we’ll have to wait and see whether that’s enough to make him stay.

NBA Rumors: The player that could make Russell Westbrook leave the Clippers

There\&#039;s a new dark horse to land James Harden

NBA Rumors: The reason Russell Westbrook may not return to Clippers - Bolavip US

NBA Rumors: The reason Russell Westbrook may not return to Clippers

Joining the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers">Los Angeles Clippers</a> was the best thing that happened to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/russell-westbrook">Russell Westbrook</a> in recent years. After a disappointing tenure with the Lakers, the former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> MVP revitalized his career with the crosstown rivals.



Brodie settled in perfectly next to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, even putting the team on his back when the duo was out during the playoffs. Therefore, it would make sense if he comes back.



Westbrook becomes a free agent this offseason, so he will have the opportunity to explore other options. According to Law Murray of The Athletic, he would consider playing elsewhere if the Clippers sign Chris Paul.



<h2>Rumor: Westbrook may not return to Clippers if they sign Chris Paul</h2>



“While Westbrook was seriously contemplating returning to the Clippers on that contract for slightly more than the veteran’s minimum, those sources said, that was before LA’s interest in Paul reached this degree,” Murray wrote.



“Trading for Paul, while Westbrook is still available, would be a way for the front office to get the player they want in place while forcing Westbrook to potentially take the same deal, but for undoubtedly a different role. That could push Westbrook to pursue other teams, but it is unclear who the Clippers would be bidding against for Westbrook’s services.”






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Though the team reportedly wants to have both Paul and Westbrook, it would make sense if Brodie chooses to join a team that can guarantee him more playing time. We’ll have to wait and see how this unfolds.

Ringless: NBA teams that have never won a championship

Jerry West reveals the only reason why the Clippers will never win a ring

NBA Rumors: The player that could make Russell Westbrook leave the Clippers - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/russell-westbrook">Russell Westbrook</a> has been able to revitalize his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> career in just a few months. All it took for him to increase his stock again was a move to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers">Los Angeles Clippers</a>, following a tough stint with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Lakers</a>.



While Brodie struggled to play like his true self with the Purple and Gold, he rediscovered his best form once he joined the crosstown rivals. Now, he’s expected to have <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-Rumors-Potential-destinations-for-Russell-Westbrook-20230428-0033.html">suitors in the free agency</a>.



The former MVP proved he can be a key contributor during his time with the Clippers, putting the team on his back when Paul George and Kawhi Leonard were out. Unless he decides to stay in LA, it looks like many teams out there could try and get Westbrook.



<h2>Rumor: Teams that could pursue Russell Westbrook in free agency</h2>



“There does not appear to be another franchise likely to offer a starting spot (or starter money), but there could be young rosters and possibly playoff-caliber teams offering a third-guard role,” Danny Leroux of The Athletic wrote. “Presumably, the most talented squads would at least have interest bringing in Westbrook as an option.”



Leroux mentioned the Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat as ‘high-end’ teams who could use Westbrook to have depth at point guard. The Sixers and Heat, however, would only be on the mix if they lose James Harden and Gabe Vincent, respectively.



The Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs were also mentioned as possible landing spots, but with less chances than the aforementioned group of teams.

Paul George sends message to Clippers\&#039; front office in regard to Russell Westbrook

NBA Rumors: The shocking reason Clippers may not bring back Russell Westbrook

NBA Rumors: Russell Westbrook's potential destinations outside Los Angeles - Bolavip US

NBA Rumors: Russell Westbrook's potential destinations outside Los Angeles

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have had a rollercoaster <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank">NBA</a> season. From starting 2-10 to being one game away from the Western Conference Finals, this team is now thinking about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Marcus-Smart-admits-hes-been-obsessed-with-Stephen-Curry-since-the-NBA-Finals-20221212-0002.html" target="_blank">winning a championship.</a> 
Notably, a lot of that had to do with Rob Pelinka's major roster overhaul. The team made several moves mid-season, letting go of players who weren't a good fit or wanted a bigger role somewhere else. 
Even so, the team has reportedly decided that they want to give all players <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Russell-Westbrook-and-Patrick-Beverley-want-rings-if-Lakers-win-the-NBA-Finals-20230504-0017.html" target="_blank">an NBA championship ring</a> if they win the NBA Finals this season, according to a report by Chris Haynes. 
<h2>Lakers Will Give Championship Rings To All Players If They Win The NBA Finals</h2> 
"If the Lakers were able to win the championship, I was told by a high-ranking source within the organization that they will extend a championship ring to all players who were on the roster at any point during the season," Haynes reported. "That means if the Lakers win the whole thing, Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley, and others will receive a championship ring." 
 
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 "They [Lakers] would extend a championship ring to ALL players who were on the roster at any point during this season." &#65533;&#65533; Russ and Pat Bev will get a ring if Lakers win the championship, per <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chrisbhaynes</a> <a href="https://t.co/4Ybut4d2pf">pic.twitter.com/4Ybut4d2pf</a> &mdash; NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) 
 <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1655716391138525184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2023</a> 
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<h2>Westbrook And Beverley Want Their Ring</h2> 
Notably, Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley had already addressed this possibility. The now-infamous duo claimed that they expect the team to give them a ring, even though they were traded and didn't leave on good terms: 
"Hey Pat, Lakers win, I want my ring," Westbrook said on Pat Bev's podcast. "Russ, we gonna be suited and booted, boy; I'm gonna be right there waiting on that ring," Beverley said in response. 
Beverley, who trashed the Lakers' fan base and organization as soon as he headed out the door, even said that he's willing to give a speech if the Lakers honor him with a championship ring: 
"Do I think Westbrook gonna accept the ring? Hell yeah, he ain't gonna say no to it," Beverley said in a later episode. "If they win, you call me whatever the f*** you wanna call me; I'ma get that ring. I might shed a tear; I'll give a speech." 
 
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There's no rule about giving traded players a ring; it's at the team's discretion. So, props to the Lakers for deciding to ignore all the trash these two former players talked about them and still looking to stay classy.

Lakers make a decision about Russell Westbrook's and Patrick Beverley's championship rings

When it looked like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/russell-westbrook" target="_blank">Russell Westbrook</a>&rsquo;s career was practically over, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank">Clippers</a> gave him a lifeline &mdash; and he seized the opportunity. After struggling for so long with the Lakers, Brodie found in the other team of Los Angeles a place where he could rediscover his best version. 
Not only did the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Will-Joel-Embiid-fare-better-NBA-MVPs-who-couldnt-succeed-in-playoffs-the-same-year-20230503-0041.html" target="_blank">former NBA MVP</a> adapt to whatever role they assigned him, but he also stepped up when the likes of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard were out. His team couldn&rsquo;t get the upper hand on the Suns, but Russ certainly did everything he could to keep their playoff aspirations alive. 
Therefore, everyone at the team <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Paul-George-begs-Russell-Westbrook-to-return-to-Clippers-next-season-20230427-0023.html" target="_blank">wants him back</a> next season. However, according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Clippers may not be able to re-sign Westbrook for financial reasons. 
<h2>Rumor: Clippers may not be able to afford Russell Westbrook</h2> 
(Via Bleacher Report) 
&ldquo;(The Clippers) are capable of paying him just 120 percent above the minimum. Given L.A.&rsquo;s massive payroll and incoming rule changes, the team won&rsquo;t have its taxpayer mid-level exception ($5 million starting salary).&nbsp; 
&ldquo;Westbrook could re-sign and wait a year for early Bird rights that could pay in the $12 million range in 2024. Instead, look for Westbrook to seek an opportunity elsewhere on a team with cap space or a non-taxpayer mid-level exception (roughly $12.2 million).&rdquo; 
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Of course, there&rsquo;s still a chance that Westbrook takes a significant pay cut, but it would make sense if he gets a better deal elsewhere. The Clippers were the right place for him at the right moment, but this offseason Brodie will probably be tempted by many other teams.

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank">Los Angeles Lakers</a> seem to be doing fine without Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank">LeBron James</a> and Anthony Davis have the team in the Western Conference semifinals with a great shot at the title.&nbsp; 
The renovation of the Lakers trying to make a final push in the regular season came on February when they traded Westbrook and Beverley. So far, other names have responded to the challenge such as De'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. 
 
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However, believe it or not, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/russell-westbrook" target="_blank">Russell Westbrook </a>and Patrick Beverley think&nbsp;they deserve a special reward in case the Lakers win a championship in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank">NBA</a>. Read here to check out the details. 
<h2>Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley want championship rings with the Lakers</h2> 
Patrick Beverley told during his&nbsp;live podcast a very funny encounter with Russell Westbrook while he was working out in a gym. The conversation was about the possible rings they could get if the Lakers won the NBA Finals. "Russell Westrbook walks in and says, 'Hey Pat, if Lakers win I want my ring' (laughs)." 
Then, Beverley gave a very honest answer.&nbsp;"I ain't gonna lie, Russ. We're going to be suited and booted, boy. I'm going to be right there, waiting on that ring." The Lakers were 25-30 when Russ and Beverley&nbsp;were traded, but they could technically get the rings as part of the 2022-2023 roster. 
 
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Patrick Beverley even joked about the possibility of being invited to the White House with the Los Angeles Lakers as champions. They aren't gonna miss their chance. "If they win, I'm gonna get that ring."

Russell Westbrook