Russell Westbook to Clippers fallout: No NBA futures odds changes, proven model actually downgrades Los Angeles

After being traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Utah Jazz, former league MVP Russell Westbrook was never expected to suit up for rebuilding Utah -- and he never will, as the sides have agreed on a contract buyout. Westbrook will return to his hometown of L.A, to play for the Clippers and will be eligible for the postseason roster. However, oddsmakers haven't changed any Clippers futures with this news. In fact the SportsLine Projection Model downgrades L.A. with Westbrook now in the fold.

Once the nine-time All-Star and the Jazz officially complete the buyout on the remaining $47 million owed on his expiring deal, Westbrook will clear waivers and sign with the Clippers. He also had discussed deals with the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards and Miami Heat in recent days. Of that trio, on the Heat have a shot at making any noise in the playoffs. 

The Clippers certainly have a chance to make a deep run, and that Westbrook could stay in Los Angeles was a big factor in his choice. Westbrook embraced a sixth-man role for the Lakers, averaging 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 28.7 minutes per game, and surely will have to do the same with the deep Clippers. He is +850 at DraftKings to win NBA Sixth Man of the Year.

Coach Tyronn Lue and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank recently had discussions with Westbrook on whether he would accept a clearly defined role. L.A. dumped Reggie Jackson and John Wall in separate deals ahead of the trade deadline, so there was perhaps an urgency to find another point guard behind Terance Mann, who has shined as a starter and is not likely to suddenly come off the bench. The Clippers' odds to win the NBA title remain +1100 at Caesars Sportsbook.

Clippers star Paul George, who played with Westbrook from 2017-19 with Oklahoma City, reached out to Westbrook, saying "I think he'd come in and mesh" with the team: "I just think we in particular, we got enough shooting to surround Russ, where Russ can be Russ and, you know, I think the floor will be open for him, spacing will be there for him. I'm a big believer and fan of what Russ's work is, having one of my best seasons in my career alongside him."

The SportsLine Projection Model downgrades LA's chances of winning its first title from 4.2% to just 0.7% with this addition. The model's logic is that the Clippers improved by moving on from Wall and Jackson, and if Westbrook is given a similar share minutes and usage role as he had with the Lakers, the Clippers would get considerably worse because Westbrook simply can't make jumpers. He's shooting 41.7% from the field overall and 29.6% from deep.

At 33-28, the Clippers currently sit in fourth place in the West. They are +360 at DraftKings to finish with that seed, +370 to finish fifth and +500 to finish sixth. The Clippers' first game out of the break is Friday vs. Sacramento, so there's a good chance Westbrook debuts then. They have one game left vs. the Lakers, on April 5. It's going to be tough for the L.A. teams to meet in the playoffs (if both even get there). 

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