Russell Westbrook finally gets the opportunity to play in his hometown. This summer, the Los Angeles Lakers executed a trade to bring Westbrook to LA, pairing him with LeBron James and Anthony Davis to form a big three. For Russ, this move has been a long time coming.
In a recent interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Westbrook discussed a host of topics. Kimmel asked Westbrook whether his wanting to play in LA was always the plan (0:30 mark). Russ revealed that he had secretly been hoping to end up with the Lakers for a very long time, especially because it is his home.
“Secretly yes. I think every player eventually play home. And I think now the timing is right, the setting is right, the team is right. Everything is in line.”
Talking about the new-look Lakers, Kimmel pointed out that Westbrook played with Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis in the 2012 Olympics, and asked whether they had talked about teaming up down the line (2:20 mark). Westbrook revealed that he didn't discuss anything with them until the move was close to happening.
“It’s crazy. Because I played with Melo in Oklahoma City. And we never even talked about playing with each other. Me and Bron been friends for years and never even came up. And then all of a sudden this summer was like ‘Boom, Lakers! Boom Boom Boom Draft!’. Next thing you know I’m a Laker. Happened so quick… We talked before but nothing about playing.”
Finally, when Kimmel asked Westbrook whether he guaranteed an NBA championship win for the Lakers, Brodie was hesitant (7:58 mark). But he did note that he liked the chances of his team to win it all this year.
“Guaranteed? Hmm. But I like our chances."
Kimmel and Westbrook discussed some other topics as well, including the pickup game he played against Kobe Bryant, and what drives him to play at the highest level night in and night out.
Westbrook has bounced around the league in the last few years. The Lakers have become his 4th team over the last 4 seasons, after stints with the Rockets and the Wizards.
The Lakers desperately needed a big three, especially if they want to compete against the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Finals. And Westbrook completes that requirement, bringing a third All-Star in the team.
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