Russell Westbrook, Whose Trade Boosted LeBron James’ Lakers, Reportedly Wants a Ring if They Win 2023 NBA Title

The Los Angeles Lakers are a team that looked headed for disaster halfway through the season. The trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook just wasn’t cutting it for the Purple and Gold. So, by popular demand, Russ was traded away from the team. Now, the Lakers find themselves in strong contention for an NBA Championship. And, according to Patrick Beverley, Westbrook tends to collect.

Prior to the trade deadline, the Lakers stood outside of Playoff contention. They were barely scratching the surface of the Play-In tournament for that matter. But, all that changed after Brodie was moved to the Jazz.

The franchise got quite the haul, managing to add D’Angelo Russell, Jared Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley thanks to the trade. And, with those moves, the team looks more than capable of hanging its 18th banner. But, if Beverley is to be believed, it will come at the cost of two extra rings. One for him and one for Russ.

Patrick Beverley claims that he and Russell Westbrook want a ring if the Lakers win the 2023 NBA title

As things stand, the Lakers are looking like one of the favorites to win the 2023 NBA Championship. The team breezed past the Grizzlies in six games. And, managed to draw first blood against the Golden State Warriors.

However, it is still round two of the Playoffs and anything can happen. But, if all goes well there may even be some unforeseen consequences. Particularly, ones that might end up with them having to make more championship rings.

In the most recent episode of his podcast, Patrick Beverley claimed that both he and Russell Westbrook want rings if the Lakers win it all. Both he and Brodie were traded away from the team, leading to its success. And, it is this argument that he uses to make his case for a championship ring.

 

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It certainly is an interesting request. But, one that is unlikely to be entertained. In fact, some believe it to be ludicrous and that neither Pat Bev nor Russ “deserve” a ring.

Skip Bayless claims Russ does not deserve a ring as he would have been the reason they didn’t make it to the Playoffs

While it is clear that Patrick Beverley is joking around with this statement, some people are taking it rather seriously. In fact, UNDISPUTED’s Skip Bayless has commented on the same. He states that Russell Westbrook does not deserve a championship ring, reiterating that it was because of him that the Lakers were so abysmal.

Patrick Beverley says Russell Westbrook wants a ring if the Lakers win the title:

“The key word is deserve. Russ does not deserve a ring. He was the biggest reason they were on the way to missing the playoffs.”

— @RealSkipBayless pic.twitter.com/c8iqbZXejf

— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) May 4, 2023

To say he was the biggest reason for the Lakers’ initial failures is a bit harsh. Although, it is true that his poor form was an issue for the team. However, at the end of the day, both the team and Russ have moved on. He is happy on the Clippers, and the Lakers have looked rejuvenated since his departure.