Russell Westbrook brings back "Have fun while playing" avatar in LA Clippers press conference as hilarious viral video from Lakers days emerges
Russell Westbrook has always insisted since he was acquired by the LA Lakers that he was all about competing and having fun while doing it. He certainly did try to compete, but it looked like he didn’t have much fun in one-and-a-half years playing for the purple and gold franchise.
In his first press conference since joining the LA Clippers after he agreed to a buyout with the Utah Jazz, “Russ” reiterated the same principle:
“I’m super excited. I’m just excited to get back into playing. I love to play basketball. Not just that, but love to have fun while doing it.”
I asked Russell Westbrook about how excited he looks to join the Clippers:
“I’m super excited. I love to play basketball. Not just that, but love to have fun while doing it.”
https://t.co/4QYcSXPOPd
After he was traded by the Lakers to the Jazz, the former MVP didn't suit up for his new team. He was reportedly mulling over his options before deciding on a buyout that paved the way for him to join a playoff contender.
Right after news spread that Russell Westbrook will agree to a buyout, Clippers All-Star Paul George has been publicly looking to team up with him. George and Westbrook had been teammates for two seasons in Oklahoma but got eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in consecutive years.
Russell Westbrook’s “have fun” comments are also directed at the time the LA Lakers were playing their best stretch of the season. Darvin Ham and LeBron James were urging the team to get “greedy” with wins, only for Westbrook to interject:
“Just keep having fun, bro. Be happy for the next man. Keep having fun, bro! Win, lose or draw have fun.”
i’m crying cos lets get greedy and let’s just have fun in this context is like polar opposites, lebron’s look said it all 😂😂😂 teams comedy https://t.co/sUJBXUXY50
Both James and Anthony Davis have repeatedly faced the media after losses and they’re both visibly pissed off. The four-time MVP sometimes gives one-line answers to questions while looking disengaged.
During his entire stint with the Lakers, Russell Westbrook has never wavered on his “just keep competing” and “have fun” mantras. He was even heavily criticized for insisting he never had expectations when the Lakers acquired him from the Washington Wizards.
Anthony Davis doesn’t know what Russell Westbrook’s impact will be with the LA Clippers
Anthony Davis is averaging 26.0 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game this season. He is shooting 56.2% from the field.
Without Westbrook, Davis' scoring has dropped and he hasn’t been as efficient from the field. He is putting up 21.0 points, 15.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.0 blocks. AD is hitting just 48.4% without one of the Lakers’ best playmakers.
When asked by the media what he sees as Russell Westbrok’s’ impact on their rival LA Clippers, Anthony Davis had this to say:
“I’m not part of that team, I have no idea what their locker room is like, what their chemistry is like. … I don’t know. I know they got rid of John [Wall] and Reggie [Jackson]. I’m not sure how Ty Lue utilizes him [Westbrook] but I’m pretty sure he’s happy to stay in LA.”
Interesting answer from Anthony Davis on how he thinks Russell Westbrook will fit in with the Clippers https://t.co/L9Z3v8Hk8z
It seems like the battle lines are drawn. The “Hallway Series” will be more intriguing and more exciting now that Russell Westbrook has switched sides.