Russell Westbrook is welcome to return to the Clippers, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said on Thursday. Westbrook is headed to unrestricted free agency and the Clippers were not only impressed with the veteran guard on the court but off it as well.
“He brings a great energy and spirit to the team, around the building,” the Clippers exec told Law Murray of The Athletic and other media members.
The Clippers are also interested in retaining Mason Plumlee and Eric Gordon, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, though it seems unlikely the Clippers will guarantee the $20.9MM remaining on Gordon’s contract.
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- LeBron James vows he’ll play better on his home court when the Lakers try to close out the Grizzlies again in Game 6 on Friday night, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “Just got to be better,” James said. “It starts with me. (Wednesday) I was not very good at all. My defense was pretty good. Offensively, I was not really good. So, we all got to do a better job helping one another.”
- It’s time for the Kings to show the same resiliency the Warriors displayed over the last three games, Jason Jones of The Athletic writes. Golden State has erased a 2-0 deficit to take a 3-2 series lead, heading into Friday’s showdown. Guard Davion Mitchell acknowledges Sacramento has to play with more determination. “We have to have the same mindset coming in. I mean, that’s a really good team, especially at home,” he said. “We have to punch them in the mouth first.”
- The Suns matched Indiana’s offer sheet to retain Deandre Ayton. Now, their center will play a pivotal role in their second-round series when they face the Nuggets and two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Ayton is eager for the challenge, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. “It’s going to be fun,” he said. “They’re the best. Suns basketball, we want to compete and beat the best. That’s what we’re looking forward to. We know it’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be a great series where mano play against mano.”
warriors better be ready for a very aggressive Kings team tonight. Warriors better not take this game lightly and let the Kings get off to a fast start.
Exactly true. I don’t see either the Kings nor the Grizzlies caving tonight. We definitely won’t see 120-94 games. More like 119-117. They’ll give it everything they have but in both games, but it won’t be enough. The veteran teams will seize this opportunity and avoid a game 7 on the road.
I hope you’re wrong (re, Lakers), but I agree
lakers didn’t play well last game and still almost won. i see a very focus laker team tonight so unless grizzlies shoot very well from 3 point line they will lose.
They lost by 17; I wouldn’t consider that “almost winning”
Game was decided in a four minute span at the end of the 3rd quarter. Too many offensive rebounds allowed and that fired up the crowd. Other than that it was an evenly played game.
Memphis outscored the Lakers if we exclude the first quarter of game 3. I wouldn’t consider that “almost winning” either
Are we really going to play this game?
Except game three was over after the first 10 minutes. While Memphis cut into the lead a few times the game was never in danger
Look Memojis was the better team and deserved to win game 5. Doesn’t change the fact that the game was decided in a four minute span during the third quarter, much like game 3 was decided after the first 10 minutes
This aged rather well.
Hungry is the word to use
Example
Game 82
Warriors score 157 points over Blazers
I really like watching individual matchups in the playoffs. Can DeAndre Ayton show he’s a top Center in the league in his matchup with Jokic? We shall see.
Spoiler: nope
You’re probably right.., but Ayton is getting better. No? Not in the same Stratosphere as Jokic?
Wonder if Westbrook will resign with the Clippers where he fits but they can only pay him around $3 million or if he’ll say adios for another team that will pay more? I’m guessing he’ll take the bigger payday wherever that might come from.
If DLo is getting 4 year 100mm contract, Austin Reaves is worth $80mm
I’d like to know true value of Westbrook and Schroeder new contract at $$
For the Lakers and Clippers
This is how to find a way to acquire Westbrook and Schroder
Assumptions this summer
Spurs sign Westbrook 1 year $$12MM
Pistons sign Schroder 1 year $12MM
In December
Clippers trade Covington to Spurs for Westbrook
In February
Pistons buyout Schroder and he signs with Lakers
I doubt if the Warriors are going to take any further playoff game lightly…..the reason that they are defending champs is they are all business at playoff time and their playoff savvy emerges….they cannot take any of the upcoming younger teams lightly.