Los Angeles Lakers: 3 reasons why Russell Westbrook will work in LA
By Alex Mcewen
Three reasons why Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers will work.
Russell Westbrook grew up in South Los Angeles, he attended UCLA, and the late Kobe Bryant once stated Westbrook possessed his Mamba Mentality. It was almost as if he was destined to be a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Shortly after the Milwaukee Bucks won the NBA Championship, rumors began swirling that the Lakers were interested in acquiring the Brodie from the Washington Wizards. However, as is the case nearly every summer, endless rumors typically have countless stars linked to LA. But, this time it felt different.
Fast forward to NBA Draft night on July 29, 2021, news dropped during the pre-draft show via Shams Charania that the Lakers had indeed dealt for Russell Westbrook. It turned off to be the biggest trade of the evening, and potentially the entire offseason.
The Lakers and Wizards are discussing a trade that would send Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for Westbrook, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The Lakers' No. 22 pick in the Draft could be in play, too. https://t.co/RQOnlyVnBS
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 29, 2021
The Lakers added Westbrook and two second-round picks, while the Wizards picked up Kyle Kuzma, Montrez Harrell, and LA’s 2021 first-round pick. The Lakers later selected Isaiah Jackson with the 22nd overall pick who was sent to Washington when the deal was completed on August 6, 2021.
Two years after being traded to the Houston Rockets, Westbrook now finds himself on his fourth team in three seasons. Becoming a journeyman is not the best look on any resume, although some of these transactions and circumstances were out of Westbrook’s control.
To that end, let’s explore three reasons why Westbrook’s move to LA will work, starting with Russell’s strong will to win.