RELUCTANT Jeanie Buss didn’t give up on now-improved Russell Westbrook for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner
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Jeanie Buss and Russell Westbrook
Talks were circulating about Los Angeles Lakers player Russell Westbrook being traded off sometime back. However, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss was reluctant to send him away. Russell has developed a lot as a player since he was assigned a new role by the LA Lakers head coach.
As reported by the ‘Lakers Daily,’ Sam Amick of ‘The Athletic’ wrote, “Westbrook may not be thrilled with the role, but his improved play and intensity speak volumes about his willingness to accept the reality that it’s the right move for this team.” There was news about Russell being traded to Indiana Pacers in exchange of Buddy Hield and Myles Turner.
Sam added, “This is why Lakers owner Jeanie Buss was known to be reluctant to give up on Westbrook in those days leading into training camp when they came so close to doing the well-chronicled deal with Indiana [Pacers] that would have sent Westbrook to the Pacers in exchange for big man Myles Turner and sharpshooter Buddy Hield.”
Russell Westbrook might not be traded as he has shown signs of improvement
Many from the NBA world termed game veteran Russell Westbrook to be one of the main reasons the Los Angeles Lakers had a miserable start, however, the franchise showed utmost support to Brodie, and his role for the team was redefined. He was made to play as the sixth player on the team. Westbrook has averaged 15.2 points, 7.9 assists and 5.8 rebounds in 21 games since he began to come off the bench.
However, these numbers are below par compared to Russ, averaging triple-doubles for seasons during his peak years. That is why the Lakers acquired him for a blockbuster deal in 2021. Unfortunately, the season didn’t go anyone’s way, not Russ nor the LA Lakers. Now it looks like Russ has shaped up well since the role reversal. Currently, he’s averaging 13.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game in the LA Lakers’ matches this month.
He is shooting 41.7 percent, which is a lot better than what it was when he was a part of the starting line-up. His three-point shooting has also improved to 31.1 percent, even though it’s unsuitable for a guard player. With his constantly developing signs, it doesn’t look like the Lakers have any plans to deal him away. He is still the player to watch out for and can be very lethal in how he absorbs the situation.
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Rutuja Suryawanshi
(247 Articles Published)