Ex-NBA Star Discusses Westbrook’s Struggles and Lakers Impact
Former NBA player Enes Freedom has voiced his thoughts on the ongoing free agency situation of Russell Westbrook, a former NBA MVP who remains without a team. Freedom emphasized that Westbrook is still capable of playing at the professional level, stating, “It’s crazy he cannot find a team.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern among fans and analysts regarding Westbrook’s current status in the league.
Westbrook’s Time with the Lakers
Freedom pointed to Westbrook’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers as a significant turning point in his career. “It all started with the Lakers. Look at his career—as soon as he went to the Lakers,” Freedom noted. He explained that playing alongside a high-profile athlete like LeBron James can create challenges, particularly when the season does not conclude with success. Freedom remarked, “If the season fails, then you need to have some kind of scapegoat.”
Westbrook joined the Lakers ahead of the 2021-2022 NBA season and played a total of 130 regular-season games with the team. Despite his efforts, the Lakers did not advance to the playoffs during his time there. Freedom suggested that Westbrook was unfairly labeled a scapegoat for the team’s struggles. “I think that year they picked Russell Westbrook as a scapegoat,” he said. “After that, look at his career. What is this, 18th year, and this guy can’t even find a team to play right now? It’s tough.”
Westbrook’s Performance and Future
During his first season with the Lakers, Westbrook started all 78 games, averaging 18.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 44 percent from the field. His three-point shooting was less impressive, at 29 percent on an average of 3.4 attempts per game. In his second season, he faced further challenges, appearing in 52 games but starting only three. His performance dipped, resulting in averages of 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists, with shooting percentages of 41 percent from the field and 29 percent from three.
Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz during the 2023 trade deadline. Following a buyout agreement, he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite his efforts, neither Westbrook nor the Lakers have found success in returning to the NBA Finals or winning a championship. His two playoff runs with the Clippers ended without a title, and his stint with the Denver Nuggets yielded limited success, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists before he declined his player option and entered free agency.
There are reports that the Sacramento Kings are considering Westbrook as a possible addition to their roster, although no concrete developments have occurred. Freedom believes that Westbrook’s designation as a “scapegoat” during his time with the Lakers has contributed to his current predicament in the league.
As the NBA free agency continues, Westbrook’s future remains uncertain, leaving fans and analysts alike pondering his next move. The former star’s journey highlights the complexities and pressures athletes face in high-stakes environments.
