Los Angeles Clippers Reuniting Former Thunder Stars

Russell Westbrook is headed to the Clippers, where he'll team up with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.

Adrian Wojnanowski tweeted on Monday that the Los Angeles Clippers plan on pairing two former Thunder stars.

After finalizing a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, nine-time All-Star guard Russell Westbrook plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, his agent Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/OjZ0Mkuz5x

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 20, 2023

After completing his buyout with the Utah Jazz, Russell Westbrook plans to sign a deal with Clippers. In 52 games for the Lakers, Westbrook averaged 15.9 points, 7.5 assists and 6.2 rebounds in 28.7 minutes per game. He came off the bench in 49 of those contests.

With the Lakers, Westbrook’s inconsistent style of play was heavily scrutinized under the bright lights and glow of playing with LeBron James. His shooting percentage dipped to 41.7, the lowest it’s been since the 2009-10 season. Westbrook’s fit on the Lakers was always questionable, however, and the move felt like a matter of time since last season’s disappointing end.

His MVP days are behind him, but it’s clear NBA teams think Westbrook can push contending teams over the top. The Clippers are 33-28, slotted in that the No. 4 seed and 3.0 games ahead of the Thunder. After trading Reggie Jackson and John Wall, the Clippers desperately needed a point guard to distribute the ball. That’s where Westbrook comes into play, and his former Thunder teammate was the one vouching for him.

“If there is somebody out there — Russell [Westbrook] — if it makes sense and it goes with our team, we’re all for it… Hopefully Russell sees this and we figure something out.”

Paul George on the Clippers adding a traditional point guard pic.twitter.com/vvox3xTTFU

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 11, 2023

After Westbrook’s addition, the Clippers are banking on the reuniting of Westbrook and Paul George to give the team an edge down the stretch. This time, one of the game’s best two-way players of all time, Kawhi Leonard, is alone for the ride too. Unlike the Lakers, Westbrook will be surrounded by good 3-point shooters and in a much better situation to succeed. If he can settle into his role of passing the rock early, it could enhance both George and Leonard’s game tremendously.

The last time George and Westbrook shared the court, the pair was regarded as one of the best duos in the league. In Oklahoma City, George enjoyed his best season in the NBA in 2018-19, where he averaged a career-high 28.0 points and 8.2 rebounds. That same season, Westbrook averaged a 20-point triple double and 10.7 assists per game, many of which were to George.

Considering the locker room chemistry and the playoff chase looming, the Clippers adding Westbrook to the lineup is a gamble. But it’s a gamble that could pay off in big ways if George helps him regain his confidence and buy into his role.

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