"Only one that did it 4 times" - Russell Westbrook boasts about his triple-double stats & expects prime comeback
Russell Westbrook is aiming for a glorious comeback after a couple of mediocre seasons in his hometown. The LA Clippers star's torrid run with the LA Lakers saw his numbers dip significantly. But while acknowledging he hasn't played to his potential over the last two years, he said he intends to get back to his old self and rack up triple-doubles at will.
In his only season with the Washington Wizards, the nine-time All-Star had averaged 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and 11.7 assists per game. He averaged 18.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg, and 7.1 apg in 2021-22 with the Lakers. In 2023-24, his numbers dropped to 15.9 ppg, the worst since his rookie year, while he tallied 5.8 RPG and 7.5 apg.
“Getting back to myself would be averaging 21/11/12," Westbrook told reporters at Clippers practice (h/t NBA Central). "Ain’t too many people did that but myself and somebody else. And I’m the only one that did it four times.”
Russell Westbrook is one of the NBA's best all-around point guards. The lack of usage rate with the Lakers hindered his performances. However, he's getting to play the role with the Clippers, so it won't be surprising to see him average at least 20 points and 10 assists, if not a triple-double.
Russell Westbrook getting back to his best is exactly what Clippers may need
The Clippers enter the 2023-24 NBA season potentially looking at it as a make-or-break year. The combination of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George has looked good on paper since the Clippers signed them in 2019, but the results haven't been there. The star duo has often been injured, especially in the last two seasons.
The Clippers lost to the Suns in the first round in 2023 and failed to make the playoffs in 2022. Their best finish, a conference finals appearance, came during the 2021 playoffs. They could've gone further if not for Kawhi Leonard's season-ending knee injury in the conference semis against the Jazz.
The Clippers have some cushion with a reliable presence like Russell Westbrook this season. They will have stability at the point guard position with him. Westbrook can also play at least 70 games a season, so the Clippers can bank on him and rest George and Leonard to ensure they are in peak condition come playoff time.
As seen before, Russell Westbrook, even in his struggling seasons with the Lakers, has thrived with the ball in his hands. He will get that opportunity with the Clippers now, so he may be what the team needs exactly to find success this year.