Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas said on his podcast that Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue told him Russell Westbrook is the Clippers’ “leader.”
Westbrook began the 2022-23 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was traded to the Utah Jazz at the February trade deadline and waived by Utah. The UCLA product joined the Clippers as a free agent after getting waived by the Jazz and averaged 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 21 games with LAC.
Westbrook signed a two-year, nearly $8 million contract with the Clippers this summer in free agency. LAC president Lawrence Frank was impressed with Westbrook’s urgency, intensity and professionalism last season.
“In the two months Russ spent with the team, he was everything we hoped he would be and more,” Frank said on July 7. “He made a huge impact on the court with his play and off it with the urgency, intensity, and professionalism he brings to the gym on a daily basis.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Tyronn Lue, Gilbert Arenas & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
The Clippers faced the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. Kawhi Leonard only played in Games 1 and 2 and Paul George missed the entire series, so Westbrook’s usage rate went up. Westbrook averaged 23.6 points, 7.6 boards and 7.4 assists in the Suns series, but it wasn’t enough to help the Clippers win, as the Suns won the series in five games.
The Clippers went 11-10 with Westbrook in the lineup last season. It will be fascinating to see how many games LAC wins next season with Leonard, George and Westbrook playing together.
Westbrook is excited to be back with the Clippers. The NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles sent a message to Clippers fans on August 2 while hosting his basketball camp and sounded ready for the 2023-24 season to start.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Tyronn Lue, Gilbert Arenas & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
“Clipper nation, what’s up man. Russ here. I’m at Jesse Owens park at my camp. But I just wanna let you guys know I’m excited to be back,” Westbrook said in the video. “Looking forward to a great year. We gonna turn up again. I’m excited to be back. Looking forward to seeing you all at the games. Go Clippers!”
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
