NBA: Ex-Laker guard Westbrook plans on joining Clippers, say reports
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Russell Westbrook (right) left the Lakers as part of a three-team deal.
PHOTO: AFP
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LOS ANGELES – Nine-time National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Russell Westbrook plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers after completing a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz and clearing waivers, according to multiple reports on Monday.
The Los Angeles Lakers sent Westbrook, 34, to the Jazz two weeks
Now the point guard could simply be swopping locker rooms at Crypto.com Arena, the home court for the Lakers and Clippers.
Westbrook had purchased a US$37 million (S$49.6 million) home across the street from LeBron James in Brentwood when he moved to LA.
ESPN and CBS Sports reported that Westbrook expects to sign with the Clippers after working out a deal for the remaining US$47 million on his expiring contract once he is released.
Westbrook, the 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player, would join a line-up that includes former Oklahoma City teammate Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, who won NBA crowns with San Antonio in 2014 and Toronto in 2019.
Westbrook has averaged 15.9 points, 7.5 assists and 6.2 rebounds in mostly a reserve role for the Lakers over 52 games this season.
But he struggled to fit his game alongside Lakers stars James and Anthony Davis and weak shooting, 41.7 per cent from the floor and 29.6 per cent from three-point range, led to his exit.
The Clippers rank fourth in the Western Conference at 33-28, while the Lakers are 13th at 27-32 – 3.5 games and seven spots below sixth-placed Dallas (31-29) for the last guaranteed play-off spot in the West.
In other trade news, free agent guard Patrick Beverley, a Chicago native, will sign with his hometown Bulls, ESPN and The Athletic reported.
Beverley, 34, has earned NBA All-Defensive Team honours three times (first team in 2017, second team in 2014 and 2020).
But the Bulls will need to waive a player to create a roster spot for him. He joined the Lakers ahead of the season but, on Feb 9, he was shipped in a four-team trade to the Orlando Magic, who then agreed to a contract buyout.
In 45 games (all starts) for the Lakers, Beverley averaged 6.4 points, his lowest average since his first NBA season in 2012-13. He added 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 0.9 steals per game.
ESPN also reported that the Milwaukee Bucks have signed Meyers Leonard to a 10-day contract.
The centre has career averages of 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 447 games (93 starts) with the Portland Trail Blazers (2012-19) and Heat (2019-21). AFP, REUTERS
