Before squaring off against Paul George in Friday’s Lakers-Clippers matchup, Russell Westbrook spoke to the media about the way their partnership with the Thunder ended, writes Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register. They developed a friendship in Oklahoma City that still exists, and Westbrook was one of the reasons that George decided to re-sign with the Thunder in 2018.
According to ESPN and The Athletic, Westbrook approached free agent Kawhi Leonard the following summer about possibly teaming up in L.A., with Leonard signing and Westbrook being traded. Leonard reportedly took that idea and presented to George, which resulted in them both joining the Clippers.
When asked about the situation Thursday, Westbrook challenged the media to reveal the source of the report, then cast doubt on its veracity.
“That’s a lesson for all y’all,” he said. “Just always remember, just because somebody writes something … you don’t know where they got it from. That’s the truth. That’s the problem. That’s how rumors and things get started.”
There’s more from Los Angeles:
- The Lakers used their 12th starting lineup in 24 games Friday, with Dwight Howard and Talen Horton-Tucker replacing DeAndre Jordan and Avery Bradley, notes Jovan Buha of The Athletic. It’s a clear upgrade based on performance, Buha adds, but the group was minus-7 in its 11 minutes on the court. “Dwight changed the game for us in Sacramento,” Anthony Davis said. “He was really good for us, and Coach wanted to go back to that. And I think he played well tonight as well. Protecting the paint, rebounding, setting screens, doing everything he’s supposed to do.”
- Clippers swingman Terance Mann tells Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated that the two-year, $22MM extension he received in training camp was meaningful because of how hard it was to get NBA scouts to notice him. Mann took part in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament and the G League Elite Camp, then received a last-minute invitation to the draft combine.
- Clippers coach Tyronn Lue is optimistic about Nicolas Batum, who has missed the past seven games while in health and safety protocols, tweets Mirjam Swanson of The Orange County Register. “I don’t know (when he’ll return),” Lue said. “… but it was good seeing him back in the building, I can tell you that. It’s getting close and we definitely need him.”
I’m a big D12 fan and think he brings a lot to the table and works well with the starting unit. Now all they have to do is start Rondo and bring Russ off the bench as the best 6th man the league has ever seen.
Agree
Excellent post! Lakers will definitely win more games, but Westbrook will never agree to it. He rather lose than come off the bench. :(
is that what he told you?
The guy who throws a temper tantrum at the media any time he loses is telling the media how to act. Irony!
To the starting front line. Should be Bron, AD, Howard. Howard doesn’t need to play more than 28-30 mins. Cause they can go small with AD. But he should be in to close out gms. With Jordan backing up. I don’t really see an issue at center. Westbrook has been up down. Still think he’s working it out with Bron. Lakers don’t win without these three meshing and playing well. Still plenty of time to work it out.
Starting 5 should be Westbrook,LeBron,Carmelo,AD,JH12 with THT 6th man,Monk 7th,Bazemore& Bradley is your rotation.5 first ballot HOFers starting.