Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers
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Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets psyches himself up before a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Denver Nuggets are in a tough spot, following a disappointing loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.
Sitting at 37-24 on the year, the Nuggets are still within the Western Conference playoff picture. They are far from a doom-and-gloom scenario, but optimism is running thin throughout the immediate post-break stretch.
The current struggles in Denver leave Nuggets fans wondering why they chose to force Russell Westbrook out of the picture. After Sunday’s loss, fans took to social media to air out their thoughts on the Westbrook front.
What Are Nuggets Fans Saying About Russell Westbrook?
GettyRussell Westbrook during his tenure with the Denver Nuggets.
“I’ve seen enough. Bring back Russell Westbrook immediately. We need some energy back in Denver,” livmoods wrote on X.
“Denver had this duo on a minimum lmfaoo. Politics is crazy man,” TheWestbrookEra wrote
Heading into the 2024-2025 NBA season, the Nuggets signed Westbrook to a two-year deal worth $6.7 million.
The first season guaranteed Westbrook a modest $3.3 million.
In 75 games, Westbrook averaged 27.9 minutes on the court. He produced 13.3 points per game while shooting 44% from the field. The veteran guard also dished out 6.1 assists per game, along with coming down with 4.9 rebounds per game.
More Nuggets News: Nikola Jokic Takes Odd Stance After Nuggets’ Draining Loss
The Nuggets could’ve had Westbrook back for another season. He would’ve played on a $3.4 million salary. Although it was a player option, Westbrook was informed that there wasn’t going to be a guaranteed role for him. As a result, he declined and hit free agency.
“My year was great. I guess other people didn’t [think]. Speculation? The truth is that they didn’t want me back,” Westbrook told reporters. “It ain’t up to me. God always has a plan. Be patient. Not up to me. They didn’t want me, that’s okay. Somebody else do. They told me not to [pick up the option]. I don’t go anywhere I’m not wanted. I don’t need to.”
“Will never understand why the Denver Nuggets decided to straight up tell Russell Westbrook he wasn’t going to play for them and to decline his player option. Just horrid management, Westbrook and Jokic had some great chemistry. Another blunder on top of trading MPJ for Johnson,” siryungyul wrote on X.
Beastbrook
“BREAKING: Russell Westbrook has been bought out by the Kings. Russ returns to the Nuggets on a 2-year deal after Nikola Jokic begged him to come back. Brodie wants to compete for a championship and believes the Nuggets can win it all with him this season”
Westbrook had a long free agency in 2025, but he landed with the Sacramento Kings during the preseason. Initially, Westbrook was expected to play a bench role. He quickly earned the starting position over time.
At 37 years old, Westbrook has 57 appearances so far this season. He is making 43% of his shots and hitting on 33% of his threes to average 15.2 points per game.
In addition to his scoring, Westbrook is producing 6.3 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game. The Kings are struggling this year, but he’s been a bright spot in a dark situation.
There’s Always Next Year
It might take a lot of convincing from Nikola Jokic on both parties in order for the Nuggets to form a reunion with Westbrook.
The veteran guard won’t be seeing a buyout from the Kings this season, but he’s headed for another free agency period. While Westbrook is getting close to the sunset of his career, the former MVP noted he would be back for more next year.
The star guard will decide on his future in July.