Russell Westbrook Reveals True Feelings After Lakers Trade

Russell Westbrook got his joy back after joining the LA Clippers

Speaking exclusively with ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook was asked about his trade from the Los Angeles Lakers at last year’s deadline.

“I was so ready to play [for a new team] based on the situation I was in and how it ended,” Westbrook said.

On the emotions after the deal went down, which sent him to the Utah Jazz before a buyout was reached, Westbrook told Youngmisuk, “A lot of different emotions. But happy for sure. There just was so much going on at that time.”

Now playing for the Clippers, one of the finest teams in the NBA, Westbrook has been the outspoken leader this club has needed throughout the Paul George and Kawhi Leonard era. He enjoys playing the part, which enhances his already excellent performance on the court.

When Westbrook joined the Clippers, he told ESPN, “I felt like the joy [was] back [of] having fun playing again.”

Westbrook, who has a genuine opportunity to win his first NBA title, is contributing significantly to this Clippers squad both on and off the floor. With his pleasure returned, Westbrook is far happier today than he was with the Lakers, and the Clippers are the superior team as a result.

There is a long way to go for this Clippers group, but they look like a team who has what it takes to win it all.