The Los Angeles Clippers lost the playoff series 4-2 to the Dallas Mavericks. The LA-based franchise was predicted to be one of the contenders at the beginning of the season, given their star-studded roster. They boast the likes of James Harden, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Russell Westbrook on their team. One player who had to adjust to a huge change to ensure the team’s success was Russ.
The former Los Angeles Lakers star had to accept a role that included coming off the bench after James Harden’s arrival. Although the Clippers struggled initially, they managed to bounce back in style after a few months into the regular season. Russ has continued to show glimpses of his former self, but he has not been able to replicate the numbers that he once so easily made during games.
Russell Westbrook could leave the Clippers for a better opportunity elsewhere, per @TheAthletic
“Does the nine-time All-Star and former MVP want to continue in this kind of limited role while playing on a veteran’s minimum deal, or might he have played his way into a better… pic.twitter.com/jkhkurV7Ft
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 4, 2024
After being knocked out of the playoffs, there was a report from The Athletic that mentioned Russ could be looking to move from LA. Sam Amick and Law Murray wrote for the outlet that Westbrook could be eyeing another team since he was playing a limited role with a “Veteran’s minimum deal.” The player is currently earning $4.02 million with the Clippers and will be a free agent at the end of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Russell Westbrook puts all reports of possible departure to bed
The last time Russell spoke out publicly was a few weeks ago. He maintained silence even after the Clippers’ playoff loss to the Mavs. But once the report about his possible departure made waves on social media, the player had enough. He sent a statement on Instagram and reiterated his wish to stay with the Clippers.
Westbrook wrote, “Understand that anything you read about what I’ve said or haven’t said has likely been fabricated. I for one enjoyed my year, and worked hard to bring the energy, and provide a spark for our team with each opportunity I was given. I felt that I was and remain more than willing to take on new roles, and make certain sacrifices in hope that it would make our team better.”
Russell Westbrook on IG. pic.twitter.com/d9OVvnL09I
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 5, 2024
He added, “I hoped for a different outcome, but I also enjoyed being in the trenches with my teammates this year who have been supportive of me throughout the season. I hope to come back better, stronger, and remain eager to take on any role that continues to put us in the best position to win next season!”
That should put all doubts over his future to bed, as Westbrook has assured Clipper Nation that he will aim to return next year. It could be a wise decision to come back for another shot at the title, as the Clippers surely have a roster that could go all the way. They would have to make some tweaks in the offseason, but their core consisting of these four players should remain constant.
Russell Westbrook had a postseason to forget with the Clippers
James Harden was the standout player for the Clippers in the series against the Mavs. But even he had a tough time getting past Kyrie Irving. The former NBA champ accepted a new role in keeping Harden at bay throughout the latter stages of the series. Westbrook, on the other hand, was not defended by Mavericks players like his teammates, but his numbers were still subpar.
Russell Westbrook last 5 games:
5.0 PPG
1.2 APG
19.0% FGLowest FG% over a 5-game span in the playoffs in the last 50 seasons. pic.twitter.com/7iXJOp84js
— StatMamba (@StatMamba) May 4, 2024
He averaged 6.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 6 games. His FG% was just at 26, and his 3P% was also pretty poor, as he shot 23.5 from behind the line. It is heartbreaking to see a player like Russ slow down, especially considering the records he holds to this day. He is one of the very few players to average a triple-double for an entire season, a remarkable feat that will remain for years.