“Russell Westbrook and I are not joining the LA Lakers”: When Anthony Davis dismissed rumors of him joining forces with Westbrook at the Staples Center

In 2017 Lakers big man Anthony Davis dismissed the notion of him and Russell Westbrook joining the Lakers.

Though the 2021 NBA Draft grabbed most of the headlines, Russell Westbrook’s blockbuster trade to the LA Lakers was the talking point of the night.

The blockbuster deal had Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and the 22nd overall pick in the draft sent to the Washington Wizards for Westbrook and two future second-round picks.

The formation of a Big 3 in LA has sent shock waves in the NBA circuits. The former league MVP joining forces with the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis has made the Lakers a top contender for the 2022 NBA championship.

One of the most athletic point guards to grace the NBA hardwood, Westbrook gives the Lakers the perfect point guard they lacked.

Also read: “Carmelo Anthony could join Russell Westbrook on the Lakers”: LeBron James and co and Blazers star have mutual interest with one another

A few years ago, 8x NBA All-Star Anthony Davis had rubbished the idea of him and Westbrook playing together for the Lakers. AD played for the Pelicans at the time.

Russell Westbrook to don the Lakers uniform joining Anthony Davis in the upcoming 2021-22 season

Mr. Triple-Double is officially a Laker now. Westbrook had a bitter-sweet season with the Washington Wizards. The 2x scoring champion achieved a great feat,  breaking Oscar Robertson’s 47-year record for the most no of triple-doubles, having a career total of 182 triple-doubles.

However, the 9x All-Star had a disappointing first-round exit in the 2021 playoffs. Nevertheless, Westbrook’s signing with the LA Lakers, eases a lot of load off the 36-year old LeBron James’ shoulders.

Interestingly in 2017, when AD had just signed an extension with the New Orleans Pelicans. Davis had very clearly stated that he had no intentions of joining the Lakers with Westbrook.

“Some rumor from somewhere said me and Russell were going to LA. I haven’t talked to Russell or whatever the source is about that so I’m not sure where this came from but I’m here. I just signed an extension here. If I didn’t want to be here, I would have never signed the extension.” said Davis.

He further added, “I love playing for this organization. I don’t intend on going anywhere. I want to be here.”

Also read: “Many within the Lakers were fully against having Russell Westbrook in LA”: NBA Insider reveals some shocking details on how the front office views LeBron James’ pairing with Russ

The NBA off-season never fails to impress, right from trades that could shock you to unexpected superstars joining forces. The NBA off-season is the epitome of unpredictability.