Russell Westbrook trade to Los Angeles Lakers: The 2020 NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers in the 22nd overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft have confirmed the trade of former MVP and Wizards guard Russell Westbrook in a swap for Kentavious Tannell Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Alexander Kuzma, and Montrezl Dashay Harrell.
What is surprising is that this Russell Westbrook trade to Los Angeles Lakers will be sort of a homecoming for Westbrook, who is a LA native and helped the University of California, Los Angeles to a set of Final Four appearances.
Thank you DC! You welcomed my family and I with open arms from day one. Everyone from the front office, to the training staff, the coaches, my teammates, and the fans. I’m grateful y’all took a chance on me and supported me every step of the way. pic.twitter.com/wTvHQHPIOU
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) July 30, 2021
Russell Westbrook is the first MVP in NBA league history to be traded in 3 straight seasons to different teams.
He is a record of 184 career triple-doubles and is already a nine-time All-Star. Following Kevin Durant’s departure from Oklahoma, Westbrook was led by a soulless Thunder. In the 2016-2017 season, the new OKC star signed a historic campaign, one that earned him the MVP. His departure from Oklahoma, after a decade of romance, made him land on a Rockets in which he did not quite fit in. In an unusual season, he has led a few Wizards who have performed better than expected.
In the 20/21 NBA season, Westbrook averaged 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and 11.7 assists (with 4.8 losses) per game, shooting 43.9% of field goals, 31.5% of threes and 65. 6% free kicks. The Los Angeles native has a contract until 2023 (with a player option in 2022), and Russell will earn about $ 44 million for the next championship.
The movement was something that could be expected, with some Lakers immersed in the market to improve their squad and return to opt for the championship ring.
Once upon a time in London… pic.twitter.com/pR3dkdtWgo
— Sky Sports NBA (@SkySportsNBA) July 29, 2021
What does this Russell Westbrook trade mean for the Lakers?
Lakers have made a significant offseason trade for the second time in three years as they had previously acquired Anthony Davis from New Orleans back in 2019 for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart. Lakers would be Westbrook’s fourth team after Thunder, Rockets and Wizards. His first 11 seasons were with Oklahoma City. He was then traded to Houston back in 2019 and spent last season 2020-21 in Washington.
What makes this Russell Westbrook trade to Los Angeles Laker’s blockbuster is that Westbrook is averaging a triple-double coming almost every game off from his fourth career season which is an achievement only Hall of Fame guard Oscar Robertson had done before. For James, the addition of Westbrook to the Lakers’ roster will list the third former MVP he has played with – Shaquille O’Neal (in 2009-10) and Derrick Rose (16 games in 2017-18).
It is confirmed that Westbrook will be playing next to his teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Of course, this will need adjustments with everyone but especially with Westbrook. There was never a payoff in Oklahoma City with Durant or the Rockets with Harden, and unquestionably not rebuilding Wizards who had nothing to support him besides Bradley Beal.
Westbrook reached the 2012 NBA Finals with Durant in Oklahoma City which was against Miami and that happened almost 10 years ago. So one could imagine how bad Westbrook want a ring in his prime.
The Lakers are executing whatever they have to in order to give LeBron as many appearances at the championship as possible. LeBron is starting his 19th season in 2021-22 NBA season and he’s running out of time to get a fifth championship ring whereas Westbrook is running out of teams to give his name some respect.
Cunningham, number one in college, shares the limelight with Russell Westbrook trade
Detroit Pistons selects Cade Cunningham after the mega-transfer of point guard Russell Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers was known. Cade is the number one pick so it is already been established that teams especially pistons are expecting much more than what he can bring and turn their appearance in the NBA of being a bad team around.
Cade Cunningham, 19, began his career in the professional world of the NBA sharing media prominence with the player who can change the history of the Lakers again by arriving in the LA dynasty to form the new NBA’s “Big 3” with Power Forward LeBron James and Centre Anthony Davis.
So it came as no wonder that the Pistons picked the first-year All-American amidst the top pick like they did to open the draft Thursday night in New York.
The Pistons GM Troy Weaver is convinced that Cunningham will develop into that type of player who is not only a leader on the field but the new face of the franchise with efficient and spectacular basketball.
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It is true that the Pistons had all the rights cleared with Cunningham, but in the end, the Detroit team sustained the 19-year-old who was always seen as number one in college. Whatever the reason might be, this Russell Westbrook trade to Los Angeles Lakers is sure to have a significant impact on other teams next NBA season. What are your thoughts on this? Share it below!
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