Russell Westbrook admits it was ‘secretly’ at all times his plan to play for Lakers

Russell Westbrook has by no means dimmed his love for his hometown Los Angeles — he even founded a clothing brand devoted to his upbringing — and now he will get to really relish in it as a brand new member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

On Monday’s “Jimmy Kimmel Reside,” Kimmel requested Westbrook if the Lakers had at all times been his endgame.

“Secretly, sure,” the one-time NBA MVP admitted. “I imply, I feel each participant needs to finally play residence, and I feel now the timing is correct. The setting is correct. The workforce is correct. All the things is aligning.”

The Lakers traded with the Washington Wizards for Westbrook in early August.

Westbrook defined that the “alternative to see my youngsters develop up and never be going forwards and backwards,” in addition to having the ability to spend extra time along with his household and shut buddies generally, is the perfect half. Attending to play with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Carmelo Anthony most likely does not harm both.

“It is loopy as a result of I performed with Melo in Oklahoma Metropolis, and we by no means even talked about taking part in with one another,” the 32-year-old nine-time All-Star level guard defined. “Me and Bron been buddies for years, and it by no means even got here up. After which, unexpectedly, this summer season, it was like, increase.”

Westbrook led the league by averaging 11.7 assists final season, including 22.2 factors and 11.5 rebounds. He’s the all-time league chief for profession triple-doubles with 184, passing Oscar Robertson in May.

The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, forward of their first season after rebranding from the Seattle SuperSonics, drafted Westbrook out of UCLA with the fourth total choose. He departed OKC for the Houston Rockets following a commerce in July 2019.

Westbrook’s final look within the NBA Finals got here all the way in which again in 2012. He would not assure that the Lakers will win their second championship in three years, however he did say, “I like our possibilities.”

Watch Westbrook’s interview with Kimmel under.