In a blockbuster trade that transpired during the 2021 NBA draft, Russell Westbrook officially became the next member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers were in the market for a playmaking guard who could relieve the pressure off LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the offensive end, and Westbrook fits what L.A. needed.
However, there will be questions about Westbrook’s spacing fit as he’s a career 30.5 percent 3-point shooter on high volume. Los Angeles still needs more quality shooters to space the floor, but Westbrook hasn’t always looked great from beyond the arc.
Still, he’s a triple-double machine and will give it his all on every possession. Westbrook, James and Davis also had discussed sacrificing their usual roles in order to maximize their title chances.
Westbrook grew up in L.A. and is ready to suit up for his home team, as he posted on his Twitter:
HomeTeam.
WHYNOT? pic.twitter.com/6VCectkUnH
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) July 30, 2021
Westbrook played collegiate basketball at UCLA but most of his NBA career has materialized in the midwest and eastern side of the country.
He started off with the Oklahoma City Thunder and has since played for the Houston Rockets and Wizards, though he’s played only one season each for the latter two teams.
If the Lakers can acquire more quality shooters to surround their new trio, a title should definitely be in the mix next season.
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