Paul George Explains Why He Wanted Russell Westbrook on Clippers After Lakers Turmoil

Russell Westbrook’s tenure with the Lakers was a turbulent one to say the least. The former MVP was constantly criticized for his play on a team that fell drastically short of expectations and it all came to an end when he was traded to the Jazz in February. He would never suit up with the team, agreeing to a buyout before signing with the Clippers. 

Now, his former Thunder and current Clippers teammate Paul George took an opportunity to address the Westbrook critics and why he wanted the all-time great with him in Los Angeles. 

“He just did it. He just did it in Washington,” George said Tuesday night on Westbrook’s elite play with the Wizards. “No one was saying none of this when he was in Washington. 

Paul George on why he wanted Russell Westbrook after his time on the Lakers? pic.twitter.com/pXYC2i3NB8

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“And he goes to the Lakers, ‘He’s done, he’s this, he’s washed,’” George continued. “Just all these narratives start around when he literally just was the same player that he is with us—with Washington.”

Westbrook spent the 2020–21 season with the Wizards where he averaged 22.2 points and a career-high 11.7 assists per game to lead the NBA in that regard. He also averaged a career-high 11.5 rebounds to average a triple double for the entire season—the fourth time he accomplished such a feat. It’s no secret that his numbers dipped significantly when he joined the Lakers, but that could also be attributed to joining a squad with other ball-dominant players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

So far with the Clippers, Westbrook, 34, is averaging 13 points, 6.8 assists and seven boards per contest to start the year. The numbers say he’s not the player he once was, but George clearly thinks Westbrook is that same elite talent.