Free-agent guard Russell Westbrook has decided to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers. The veteran guard is finalizing his contract buyout with the Utah Jazz. He took his time deciding, but will join a legitimate contender that could certainly use his help. The Clippers lack depth with Bones Hyland and Terance Mann as their only point guards. It's uncertain if Westbrook is going to come off the bench or start alongside Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. His presence is going to decrease the value of Hyland and Mann will likely take a hit as well.

Utah Jazz guard Russell Westbrook has yet to suit up since the deal that sent him from the Los Angeles Lakers to Utah. His name has been in the rumor mill as he's one of the most talented players currently hitting the buyout market. As reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Clippers have asked for and received permission to talk to Westbrook about a potential buyout and contract with the new team. The Clippers traded away Reggie Jackson and have been in desperate need of a quality point guard. Westbrook would receive a big value boost to his assist numbers while the Clippers would receive a boost in championship odds.

The Russell Westbrook experiment in Los Angeles has been less than ideal over the past two years and has officially come to an end. With the West stocking up everywhere, the Lakers knew they had to make a splash in order to make a push to the playoffs.The Lakers executed a three-team trade with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves, involving a total of eight players and multiple draft picks Wednesday night. The Lakers sent Russell Westbrook, Juan Tuscano-Anderson, and Damian Jones to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt while also acquiring D'Angelo Russell from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Jazz also sent Mike Conley and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to the Timberwolves while accumulating even more draft capital.So just what is the fantasy basketball fallout of this blockbuster trade? Let's examine how each of the teams and players in the deal may be affected going forward. 

Fantasy Basketball Fallout: Russell Westbrook

Westbrook is expected to be bought out from Utah and enter free agency. There are already rumors of teams interested in the veteran point guard, including the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, and Chicago Bulls. If Westbrook were to be claimed, he would likely be given a prominent role immediately given these three teams are all lacking in the point guard position. Westbrook's caveat has always been his personality fit so it remains to be seen how well he can mesh with his new team if he is claimed. 

Fantasy Basketball Fallout: Lakers

The Lakers get some much-needed spacing and size with the additions of Russell, Beasley, and Vanderbilt. Russell is shooting a career-high 39.1 percent from three while averaging 17.9 points, 6.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game this season. Russell should absorb Westbrook's minutes and will likely start at point guard over ... [More]

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Utah acquired guard Russell Westbrook from the Lakers as part of a three-team trade on Wednesday night. Los Angeles will receive D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt, while Minnesota will receive Mike Conley. Westbrook, who has averaged 15.9 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.2 rebounds in 2022-23, is finally on the move after months of trade chatter. However, the 34-year-old may not be in Utah for long, as he may receive a buyout. Several teams will be looking to add him to the roster if that's the case, with NBA insider Chris Hayes reporting that the Clippers have expressed interest. Nevertheless, it's too early to tell how things will work out from a fantasy standpoint, although the veteran would presumably return to the starting lineup for his next team. In addition, being away from LeBron James and ... [More]

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook recorded his fourth triple-double of the season on Sunday against Philadelphia, finishing a 113-112 loss with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. He shot a good 7-for-14 from the field and 2-for-5 from deep, but unfortunately for the Lakers, Westbrook couldn't hit his final attempt at the end of the game when he had a chance to grab the victory for the team. In 34 minutes off the bench, Westbrook added one steal and one block to his tally. The former MVP now boasts the most triple-double off the bench (4) in NBA history, having previously shared the record with Detlef Schrempf. Westbrook has done a very good job leading the second unit, averaging 15.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists as a reserve this season.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (foot) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The veteran guard is back on the injury report due to left foot soreness. However, it's worth noting that Westbrook hasn't missed a game since December 21. He could see an expanded role with LeBron James (ankle) listed as questionable for this game. Westbrook would be asked to take control of the offense, assuming James sits out. He nearly had a triple-double on Wednesday when James was out. Fantasy managers will have to check back for another update before tip-off.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook was extremely close to his fourth triple-double of the season Friday against the Hawks, going for 18 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in a 130-114 win. He shot 7-for-14 from the field with a nice 2-for-4 record from downtown and added two steals and one block to his tally in 31 minutes off the bench. Moving to the second unit has ended up boosting Westbrook's fantasy value, as he has averaged 14.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 8.0 assists as a reserve this season. He has reportedly been playing through a sore left foot as well, which makes Westbrook's work even more impressive. The injury forced him to leave a game early at the start of the week, but he has come back to log his usual minutes in two games and it doesn't appear that Westbrook is limited in any way. He even matched a season high with 36 minutes against Miami on Wednesday.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (foot) is available for Wednesday's game against the Miami Heat. The 34-year-old exited early during Monday's contest due to left foot soreness. It appears to be a minor injury as Westbrook will suit up and isn't expected to be limited on Wednesday. In fact, Westbrook is likely to take on a bigger role with LeBron James (illness) on the sideline. It's unclear whether Westbrook will start, but regardless he should have plenty of value with James off the court.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook was unable to complete Monday's matchup against Orlando because of left foot soreness. It appears to be a nagging issue, as Westbrook also missed a pair of games with the same problem last month. The injury clearly didn't allow him to be at his best against the Magic, with the former MVP shooting only 1-for-8 from the field and committing three turnovers in 11 minutes before calling it a night. It was a huge drop-off from his recent form, as Westbrook had multiple triple-doubles in December and finished the month with averages of 14.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8.6 assists. Dennis Schroder and Patrick Beverley should share most of the minutes at the point guard position if Westbrook is forced to miss time, while Austin Reaves could get a boost in playing time. He impressed Monday with 15 points, six rebounds and seven assists off the bench.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook finished with a double-double in Friday's win over Atlanta. The former MVP amassed 14 points, going 6-for-12 from the field while adding 11 rebounds, one steal, and one block. As usual, Westbrook came off the bench. However, he still logged nearly 30 minutes of work, more than some starters around the National Basketball Association. Although the veteran's poor shooting performances make him less desirable for category managers, he offers plenty in other statistical categories to remain a starting option in all fantasy formats.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook (foot) has been listed as probable to play in Friday's contest vs. Charlotte, after having missed the previous two outings due to a sore left foot. Westbrook's return would elevate L.A.'s second unit and likely cut into the workload that Max Christie has seen as of late. While Westbrook has scuffled mightily from long range in December (12 percent), he will likely garner significant DFS attention with the matchup against the Hornets drawing the highest projected total of the night in Vegas (242 points).

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook (foot) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game vs. Sacramento due to a sore left foot. Westbrook was unavailable due to the ailment Monday, paving the way for Kendrick Nunn to lead the bench unit with 17 points; another absence from Westbrook makes Nunn a highly desirable DFS candidate. While Westbrook has struggled mightily from long range during December (12 percent), he has averaged 13.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 8.7 assists, returning to the nightly triple-double threat that has made him a fantasy stalwart for the past decade-plus. His next chance to return to action comes Friday against the Hornets.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook posted his second triple-double of the campaign Friday, completing a 126-108 win over Denver with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. He added two steals with four turnovers while shooting 5-for-13 from the field and 5-for-8 at the foul line. Both of Westbrook's triple-doubles have come across his last four appearances. The former MVP struggled massively at the start of the season, but moving him to the bench has worked out well for everybody involved, and even the trade talks have quieted down. Russ still hurts fantasy teams with his poor shooting and turnovers, but he makes up for it with his all-around ability. The veteran star could now even begin his best stretch of the season, as Anthony Davis (foot) went down in Friday's game and his absence should result in a usage boost for Westbrook.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (face) was injured during Saturday's game against the Spurs. Zach Collins elbowed Westbrook in the face, resulting in the former MVP suffering a laceration to the forehead. Fortunately, he didn't require stitches in the locker room and returned to the bench. The 34-year-old has struggled this season, averaging 15.0 points, 7.5 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. It doesn't appear he'll miss any time. However, fantasy managers should monitor Westbrook's status ahead of Monday's matchup versus the visiting Pacers.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (thumb) suffered a right thumb injury during Sunday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. The veteran guard left the arena with a wrap on his right hand. Luckily, the X-rays came back negative, which is good news for him. It sounds like the plan is for Westbrook to be re-examined on Monday. In the meantime, Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker IV would likely benefit the most, assuming Westbrook is forced to miss action. Fantasy managers will have to check back for another update on his status.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook sustained a right thumb injury in Sunday's blowout win over the Spurs. He already went for X-rays, which came back negative and that's great news, but Westbrook left the arena with his hand wrapped up and there are further evaluations planned for Monday. The former MVP had another solid night in 22 minutes off the bench, posting his fourth consecutive double-double with 10 points and 10 assists. Patrick Beverley and Dennis Schroder are set to share the point guard minutes if Westbrook is forced to miss any time. The latter has only just recovered from a thumb problem himself, and Schroder's fantasy stock should begin to rise soon after he started to pick up pace with a 13-point outing Sunday.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook continued his great scoring streak since moving to a bench role after the third game of the season. Against the Utah Jazz, the veteran posted 22 points, five assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block while shooting 8-for-14 overall and 2-for-3 from deep. Since he's shifted to leading the bench unit, he's averaged 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.0 steals per game all while shooting 51.3% from the floor and 48.0% from three. This new role could be exactly what fantasy managers needed.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook played his part in the team's first win of the season Sunday against Denver with a near triple-double off the bench. He finished with an 18-8-8 line, shooting an efficient 6-for-12 from the field and 2-for-4 from downtown. Westbrook even made all of his four free throws and limited his turnovers to three in 32 minutes. This was the second consecutive game for the former MVP to come off the bench. He's adjusted well to the role, averaging 18 points with eight rebounds and 5.5 assists. Westbrook has even earned more playing time as a reserve, so it currently looks like everybody involved -- including fantasy managers -- is benefitting from the situation.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook will come off the bench on Friday against the Timberwolves. With head coach Darvin Ham looking to light a fire under the team's second unit, Westbrook is expected to lead the group for the foreseeable future. The 33-year-old has gotten off to a rough start to the 2022-23 campaign, averaging 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting 28.9% from the field and 8.3% from deep. However, the move may help turn Westbrook's season around, considering he won't compete as much with LeBron James and Anthony Davis for offensive chances.