Russell Westbrook found support from fellow NBA colleagues after a Lakers insider passes a nasty comment about the point guard.
LA Lakers grabbed the first chance they got to get rid of Russell Westbrook. Last week, the purple and gold traded the point guard to Utah Jazz in a three-team deal and acquired D’Angelo Russell and two other picks from Timberwolves. The trade was long due as the Lakers were literally frustrated with Russell’s performance over the last two seasons.
The Lakers traded Russell Westbrook in 2021 from the Wizards. The critics and analysts during the time termed the trade a mistake and advised the purple and gold to hold it back. However, the Lakers front office decided to go ahead with it anyway, and the rest is history. Unfortunately, the point guard failed to uplift the team with any performance worth remembering. Meanwhile, the Lakers’ hateful comment on Westbrook’s departure has angered the fans and the NBA players.
Lakers Call Westbrook A Vampire, NBA Peers Lands Support To The Point Guard
![Jayson Tatum-Russell Westbrook](https://i0.wp.com/sportsnewsinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Untitled-design-12-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1)
When a team trades a player, especially one as high-profile as Russell Westbrook, it can be a delicate situation. Players often get emotional about being traded, and they may feel a sense of betrayal or abandonment by their former team. In some cases, teams may try to deflect blame or avoid criticism by painting the player as the problem rather than acknowledging their own shortcomings. The same is the case with Westbrook.
NBA reported Dave McMenamin said a source from the Lakers locker room spoke about Westbrook’s departure and said, “you remove a vampire from the locker room.” The source referred to Westbrook while terming him a blood-sucking vampire. The comment has raged the fans and NBA peers who offered support to the point guard.
Robert Covington of the Clippers, during an Instagram live session, said Russell Westbrook is the best teammate he’s ever had. Further, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics shared a post on his Instagram story. The post listed all of the point guard’s achievements and urged the fans not to show disrespect to a talented player.
Utah Jazz Likely To Buy Our Russell Westbrook For Next Season
Utah could be Westbrook’s temporary home as the former is likely to buy out the point guard for the next season. Moreover, both parties are reportedly in agreement on a buyout, and an official announcement will be released soon. After the buyout, Westbrook will enter the market as a free agent. Furthermore, several teams are rumored to have shown potential interest in acquiring the point guard.
![Russell Westbrook](https://i0.wp.com/sportsnewsinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/FofPDnNX0AAdcpM-e1675954412924-1024x681.jpg?resize=1024%2C681&ssl=1)
LA Clippers is emerging as the front-runner. The clippers need a well-versed point guard in the lineup, and Westbrook could arise a perfect fit. If the deal goes ahead as planned, Westbrook can make his way back to Hollywood. Further, the Miami heat and Chicago Bulls have turned out as other parties interested in the point guard. Ultimately the decision lies with Russell where he wants to land. Meanwhile, Westbrook is likely to take some time off and come up with a final decision after the All-Star break.