Russell Westbrook's Rollercoaster Ride in Purple and Gold: A Look Back at One of the Lakers' Most Polarizing Stints
The Los Angeles Lakers have seen a lot of names pass through their roster—506 players, to be exact—since their early Minneapolis roots. Through greatness, mediocrity, and forgettable footnotes, every jersey worn tells part of the story. And while legends like Magic, Kobe, and Kareem stand as untouchables, there are others whose time in Los Angeles remains, well... complicated.
One of the more recent and controversial figures in that long Lakers timeline? None other than Russell Westbrook—a name that still stirs up strong opinions in the city of stars.
From L.A. Streets to UCLA Glory
Before Westbrook ever stepped onto the Staples Center floor as a Laker, his story was already well entwined with the Los Angeles basketball scene. Raised in the Southland, Russ attended Leuzinger High School in Lawndale. He wasn't a high school prodigy in the traditional sense—he wasn’t even heavily recruited at first—but his relentless work ethic set the stage for what would become a dynamic basketball career.
He stayed local, taking his talents to UCLA, where he played two seasons. While he wasn’t the Bruins' primary scoring option, he quickly stood out for his defense and athleticism. In 2008, he earned the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year, a sign of things to come.
A Thunderous Start to an NBA Journey
Westbrook entered the 2008 NBA Draft and was selected No. 4 overall by the Seattle SuperSonics, who—within days—relocated and became the Oklahoma City Thunder. Alongside Kevin Durant and fellow L.A. native James Harden, the young Thunder core captured the league’s attention. They weren’t just a “maybe” squad; they were the future.
And for a moment, it seemed like Oklahoma City was going to become the new dynasty in town. They even made it to the 2012 NBA Finals, but came up short against LeBron James’ Miami Heat. That series loss changed everything.
The Breakup That Shaped Westbrook’s Legacy
Not long after the Finals defeat, the Thunder front office shook things up. Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets, breaking up the promising trio. Four years later, Durant left for Golden State, and suddenly, Westbrook was the last man standing.
But here’s where Russ’s legacy really begins to split in the eyes of fans. While some stars might have withered without their co-stars, Westbrook put the team on his back. During the 2016-17 season, he made NBA history by becoming only the second player ever to average a triple-double for an entire season—the first to do it since Oscar Robertson in 1962.
And he didn’t stop there. He averaged a triple-double four out of five seasons, even after being traded to the Rockets in 2019 and then the Wizards in 2020. Love him or hate him, you can’t say he didn’t give everything on the court.
The Lakers Bet Big—and Lost
Then came the summer of 2021. The Lakers, fresh off a disappointing playoff exit, were looking for reinforcements. LeBron James reportedly pushed hard for Westbrook, believing his high motor and star power would be the perfect third piece alongside him and Anthony Davis.
To land him, L.A. gave up Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and Isaiah Jackson in a blockbuster trade. At the time, it felt like a win-now move, but it didn’t take long before reality hit.
The fit was awkward from day one.
Westbrook struggled to adapt to a new role that didn’t require him to dominate the ball. His relentless energy, once a strength, often turned into turnovers or ill-timed decisions. Fans grew frustrated. Social media exploded with criticism, and soon enough, Russ became the scapegoat for everything going wrong with the team.
Trade Talks and a Graceful Exit (Sort Of)
By the time the 2022-23 season rolled around, it was clear the Lakers needed a change. Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' GM, played it slow, but finally pulled the trigger. In February 2023, Westbrook was part of a three-team deal that sent him packing to make room for a fresh start.
That trade landed L.A. with D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley—a move that, on paper, restored depth and spacing.
For Westbrook, it was a bittersweet end to what was supposed to be a homecoming. He wasn’t just any player putting on the purple and gold; he was an L.A. native living his dream. But the dream never quite matched reality.
The Numbers Behind the Drama
Let’s not pretend Russ didn’t have his moments in a Lakers uniform. During his stint, he averaged 17.4 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.9 rebounds per game. Those are solid numbers for a second or third option. The problem? They came with inconsistency and friction.
It’s not easy being the guy expected to adjust when you’ve spent your entire career as the guy. And in L.A., expectations are sky-high.
The Post-Lakers Chapter
After his departure, Westbrook joined the Los Angeles Clippers, where he seemed more at peace. His role was clearer, and the pressure slightly lighter. He spent one and a half seasons there before heading to the Denver Nuggets in the 2024-25 campaign.
Although no longer the MVP-level force he once was, Russ continues to prove he’s far from done. He’s evolved into a veteran presence—still intense, still competitive, but with a touch more humility.
Looking Back—and Ahead
As the Lakers approach their 80th anniversary, stories like Westbrook’s become a vital part of the broader narrative. Not every chapter ends with a title. Not every trade works out. But every player who wears the jersey—whether it's Minneapolis blue or Los Angeles gold—leaves a mark.
And Westbrook’s? It was loud, passionate, divisive, and unforgettable.
Fast Facts: Westbrook’s Lakers Timeline
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Acquired: Summer 2021 from Washington Wizards
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Stats with Lakers: 17.4 PPG, 7.2 APG, 6.9 RPG
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Traded: February 2023 in three-team deal
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Replacement haul: D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley
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Post-Lakers teams: Clippers (1.5 seasons), Nuggets (2024–25)
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