<a href="https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/449096-russell-westbrooks-resurgence-leads-to-trade-calls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russell Westbrook is one of the best point guards</a> to ever play the game of basketball. However, the last two years have stained his reputation. While playing for the Lakers, Westbrook has not been at his best. Although, many believe it is simply the situation he has been thrust into.



There is certainly some proof to back this up. For example, <a href="/profile/russ" class="text-word" target="_blank" >Russ</a> has become infinitely better since coming off the bench. As the leader of the Lakers&#8217; second unit, Russ can now be the ball-dominant player he was always meant to be. It has led to improved stats, as well as improved results.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2885" height="4328" src="https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1449151096.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-610904" srcset="https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1449151096.jpg 2885w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1449151096.jpg?resize=200,300 200w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1449151096.jpg?resize=768,1152 768w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1449151096.jpg?resize=683,1024 683w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1449151096.jpg?resize=1024,1536 1024w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1449151096.jpg?resize=1365,2048 1365w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1449151096.jpg?resize=1000,1500 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 2885px) 100vw, 2885px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers waits for the play during a pause in play during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 7, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-russell-westbrook-trade-talks">Russell Westbrook Trade Talks</h2>



Consequently, trade talks surrounding <a href="https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/596690-russell-westbrook-trade-talks-get-huge-update" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russ have died down considerably</a>. Just a few months ago, it really seemed like the Lakers wanted nothing more than to just get rid of Russ. Now, however, it seems like they are dead set on keeping him, no matter what.



In a report from Sam Amick of The Athletic, it was revealed that the Lakers fully intend on keeping Russ past the trade deadline. Overall, this is good news for Russ. He has ultimately changed the narrative around him, which means his free agency period will go much smoother.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="4500" height="3000" src="https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1448063672.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-610903" srcset="https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1448063672.jpg 4500w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1448063672.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1448063672.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1448063672.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1448063672.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1448063672.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GettyImages-1448063672.jpg?resize=1500,1000 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 4500px) 100vw, 4500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on December 09, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The Lakers and Westbrook still have a lot of work to do. As it stands, the Lakers are 12th in the Western Conference with a record of 11-16. Needless to say, they need to be a lot better if they want to make the playoffs.



Stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the basketball world. 



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