The Los Angeles Clippers’ season ended on Friday with a six-game loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round.
A shadow of uncertainty hangs over the Clippers this offseason. Head coach Tyronn Lue has publicly expressed his desire to remain with the organization for the foreseeable future.
Shortly after Los Angeles was eliminated from the postseason, reports surfaced that Westbrook was likely to leave the Clippers to find another team that would give him the opportunity to play a more prominent role. After the team acquired James Harden early in the season, Westbook was mainly brought off the bench.
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Russell Westbrook says any reports suggesting he’s not happy playing for the Los Angeles Clippers are “fabricated.” (Kate Frese/NBAE, via Getty Images/File)
Westbrook appeared to be settling into his role with the Clippers during his first full season with the team, making it clear on social media that he was happy with how the team was using him during the 2023-2024 season. did. Westbrook did not say specifically which reports he took issue with, but he said anything that suggested he was dissatisfied was a “fabrication.”
Clippers’ Russell Westbrook and Mavericks’ PJ Washington get into altercation after Dallas’ Game 3 win
“I get talked about a lot by many ‘sources’ and sports news outlets,” Westbrook wrote on Instagram. “After this season, I wanted to share some of my actual thoughts and words. Please understand that anything you read about what I did or didn’t say is likely fabricated. I have a hard time sharing my thoughts and ideas about anything. And most of the time I choose to keep my thoughts to myself. ”
Westbrook said he understands the “pressure” to “condemn” the Clippers after they were eliminated early in the playoffs.
“I would like to share some of my actual thoughts with Clipper Nation and my fans. This is a difficult time for many people as there are certain expectations. It’s no wonder there’s pressure like this to either plant a story or point out what many would categorize as a disappointing end to the season. ”
Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Clippers is shown during Game 1 of the first round of the playoff series against the Suns on April 16, 2023 in Phoenix. (Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
Westbrook said he enjoyed his season with the Clippers, but “I would have liked a different outcome.”
Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook shoots past Phoenix Suns guard Damion Lee during the second half on April 9, 2023 in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scutelli)
“I personally enjoyed this past year and worked hard to bring energy and provide a spark to the team at every opportunity I was given,” he wrote. “I have always felt, and continue to feel, willing to take on a new role and make certain sacrifices in the hope that it will make the team better. As much as I wanted to, it was also fun to be in the trenches with my teammates.”To everyone who supported me throughout the season, I hope to come back better and stronger and I hope to see you next season as well. I want to continue to play a role that will help us stay in the best position to win. ”
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Westbrook has a player option for the 2024-2025 season. He averaged 11.1 points and 4.5 assists in 22.5 minutes per game during the regular season.
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