“Could go down the same path as Carmelo Anthony” Kendrick Perkins issues alarming warning for Russell Westbrook amid tensed trade fiasco
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Kendrick Perkins and Russell Westbrook
It seems nothing is going right in Hollywood for former MVP Russell Westbrook. After a disastrous 2021-22 season, Brodie was on the receiving end of heavy criticism and many even considered him unworthy of his massive contract. Given that the LA Lakers is a very demanding franchise, and the limelight is always on its stars, where fans talk about nearly every move players make on or off the court. Westbrook recently parted ways with his agent, Thad Foucher, over a disagreement about his LA future.
On the same note, former player turned analyst Kendrick Perkins has warned Russell Westbrook to be more careful navigating his career moving forward or he might end up like his Los Angeles Lakers teammate Carmelo Anthony.
According to Westbrook’s agent Foucher, he wanted Russ to stay in LA and “embrace” the starting role. He also added that he wished Westbrook to support Darvin Ham has extended to him, but the general belief is that the explosive guard still wants out–a move. Agent Foucher believes will only diminish his value, and Kendrick Perkins agrees with him.
Kendrick Perkins said, “With the firing of his agent, the final season of his contract, he has to be careful. We could possibly see Russell Westbrook going down the same path as Carmelo Anthony if he don’t buy into being or taking a lesser role,”
By the looks of it, Perkins seems to agree in part with Foucher. Big Perk did suggest that like Anthony, Westbrook might see himself out of the league and unsigned if he doesn’t make the necessary sacrifices and buy into a system.
Russell Westbrook finding it difficult in Los Angeles Lakers
4th overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft came in with huge expectations and managed to win OKC hearts with his flashy plays, quick feet, and explosive dunks. He was one of the terrorizing offensive players, who managed a triple-double season and won the 2017 MVP award with his all-around performance.
9-time All-Star did play well with many other stars like Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Bradley Beal; and still managed to shine bright in the games. Los Angeles Lakers won the 2020 NBA championship with LeBron and Anthony Davis, but after a poor 2021 season, they added explosive Westbrook to their ranks, making them huge favorites from the West to win it all. But Davis played very few games due to injury, and Westbrook had the worst season of his career.
Westbrook averaged 18 points – least after his rookie seasons and had more turnovers in games. Though he had 7 assists ad rebounds per game for the Lakers, they were not much impactful for the team, attracting heavy criticism only. Fade-up with the bad reputation Westbrook might be looking for a change of scenario, but his agent didn’t want him to do that; resulting in the break-up.
Perkins though sees it as an even worse sign for Russell Westbrook. Kendrick Perkins’ take on the Russell Westbrook situation is warranted, and he makes a good point with his Carmelo Anthony comparison. Sure those two situations are different, but they might lead to similar results: the player being largely snubbed in the league with little value.
Anthony learned to accept a supporting role and it worked well for him. He played a secondary role in Portland Trail Blazers, revitalizing his career. Now, Westbrook might need to do the same or at least look at the bigger picture among all his options to determine the best move for him – but maybe without an agent for now.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)