NBA News - Los Angeles Lakers officially present Russell Westbrook: "Hochs and Lows are normal

After the trade for Russell Westbrook on the draft evening, the Los Angeles Lakers officially introduced their Point Guard. For the 32-year-olds it be "surreal" to play in his hometown. He also expressed himself to the interaction with Lebron James.

"I'm from L.A. And you would always like to play for his hometown. That's definitely getting around in my back of my mind," said Westbrook on his first press conference as part of the 17-time champion. That it has worked now is "surreal".

"I did not grow far from here, I looked at the parades - I tried to cock the school to come to the championship parades. As a Lakers fan and with LA as my home, a circle closes for me. "

Westbrook changed from the Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and the 2021 first round chip to the west coast. Shortly before, the Lakers were probably also in conversations with the Kings about Buddy Hield. But according to Dave McMenamin (espn) Lebron James should have preferred a deal for Westbrook instead of the Kings Guard.

"Bron is one of the best players ever playing this game," Westbrook was looking forward to the interaction with King. "I'm in a team with championship caliber and my job is to make the game easier for him." However, he too gave: "There will be high and deep. That's normal."

Lakers-GM Rob Pelinka: "Obsessed from the 18th title"

Meanwhile, Lakers-GM Rob Pelinka is sure that the acquisition of Westbrook will bring the traditional franchise from Hollywood closer to a title. The trade was a great way to "make an aggressive Move, which increases our chances of the 18th title for the Lakers".

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"That was a way to maximize our skills to do that, of which we are obsessed. And that's the 18th title to bring in this city," says Pelinka. Westbrook has never gained the championship in his current career, last season he launched for Washington 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and 11.7 assists at 43.9 percent from the field and 31.5 percent from the triple line.