Russell Westbrook Grateful for Opportunity After LA Clippers Move: Will Ty Lue Make Him a Starter?

• Russell Westbrook expressed his joy in joining the Los Angeles Clippers during a press conference
• He got a new lease on life after being bought out by the Utah Jazz earlier this week
• The former MVP valued the Clippers wanting him after his tumultuous stint with the Lakers

There is no happier man in the NBA right now than Russell Westbrook.

The 34-year-old can’t hide his delight when the Los Angeles Clippers introduced him as their newest player in a press conference on Wednesday.

The former MVP smiled from ear to ear as he talked to the media, grateful for the opportunity the Clips afforded him.

Why wouldn’t he be? Two weeks ago, he was traded by the Los Angeles Lakers to the Utah Jazz in a three-team, eight-player deal, per Bleacher Report. He shouldered much of the blame for the Lakers’ struggles this season and was sent packing by the front office to Utah.

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There was no future for Westbrook in Salt Lake City, though, with Jazz general manager Danny Ainge making it clear to him that the team’s priority was to give playing time to their young players.

Westbrook to bolster Clips' backcourt

Westbrook remained in demand, with NBA teams lining up to get his services after the Jazz bought him out. For Westbrook, the choice was easy. After a tumultuous season with the Lakers, he chose the team that valued him the most.

The main goal now for head coach Ty Lue is to integrate Westbrook into the Clippers lineup. That proved difficult for Darvin Ham and the Lakers, with the nine-time NBA All-Star struggling to co-exist with LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the court.

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Westbrook will have a considerable part to play for the Clips, who lost Reggie Jackson and John Wall at the trade deadline. His numbers may be down this campaign, but the Clippers will be happy to take Westbrook’s season averages of 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists.

The question now is: will Lue make him a starter?

Beverley reacts to Westbrook's move

Sports Brief recently reported on Patrick Beverley’s reaction to Westbrook joining the Clippers.

Beverley told his former Lakers teammate that he would love it there. He explained that Westbrook would love, in particular, the detail of the Clippers’ game planning and their preparation.

Beverley recently signed with the Chicago Bulls after being bought out by the Orlando Magic.