The OKC Thunder and the NBA world saw the surprising news hours before the NBA Draft. The Thunder saw their former franchise star, the next player, to retire his jersey to the Paycom Center, and soon sent a statue outside the arena to the LA Lakers.
For the third straight season, Westbrook has been replaced by a new team, a new organization, but this time in a familiar city. The Oklahoma City fan favorite is moving back to its state, California.
Former OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook was traded to the Lakers
What takes like a decade in the making, and there's no shortage of pre-made Photoshopped jersey swaps, adds LA Lakers hometown hero Russell Westbrook. The UCLA product, which has already made history in this league, is looking for that elusive first NBA championship.
A nine-time All-Star, two-time scoring champion, three-time assists champion who has made nine All-NBA teams, and 2016–17 NBA MVP Lala Land teaming up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
This would be his best chance to capture the ring as Westbrook was teammate with Kevin Durant.
Sure, there are some concerns with this fit. Primarily the vacancy, but LeBron has consistently improved teammates and found ways to maximize the roster around him.
With AD and LBJ more comfortable playing the center and power forward spots, it leads the charge as point guard for Westbrook. Except for health, Purple and Gold is a must watch TV.
For Westbrook, it will be a legacy-defining move. If anyone is up to the challenge, it is Russia. However, the unfair notoriety will only escalate if he goes head to head with King James, and things head south with the Lakers.
However, if the LA trio wins a title, the toxic behavior of the NBA stan culture quietly fades away. Westbrook gets his respect and pitches Larry O'Brien to his hometown team.
Are you in favor of the Lakers this season when they have added Russell Westbrook?