Russell Westbrook Entering Free Agency, ‘In a Better Place’ After Landing With Clippers

Point guard Russell Westbrook played his best basketball in several seasons after being traded by the Lakers in February.

He was sent to the Jazz, had his contract bought out, and then landed back in LA with the Clippers. Now, he will get to test free agency — though you would think the Clippers would be high on his list of potential destinations.

At least, that’s what it sounds like.

“Once I got traded. Immediately, to be honest,” he told reporters. “From that moment, honestly, mentally, I was in a better place.”

Westbrook, 34, averaged 15.8 points, 7.6 assists and 4.9 rebounds with the Clippers. Those numbers weren’t far off from his averages in 52 games with the Lakers this season.

Now, he will have a say in where he ends up next.

“You know what, this will be probably my first time actually in my career being able to make a decision,” he said. “One thing I do tell you is that I love it here. I love the people, just the fans overall embracing not just me but my family and close friends. I know a lot of things have happened [this season], but I’m grateful. I definitely love being here.

“As far as making a decision, I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. I don’t really know my process because it’s kind of my first time doing this. So we’ll see what happens.”