Russell Westbrook now has the ability to add pitcher to his already impressive athletic resume.
The new Los Angeles Lakers Guard continued his homecoming on Sunday, throwing the first pitch for Los Angeles Dodgers in honor of Lakers Day at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers were defeated 7-2 by the New York Mets.
Westbrook, a Long Beach, California native is now back to his roots. The Washington Wizards traded Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell to acquire Kentavious CaldwellPope, Kentavious Caldwell, Pope, and a first-round draft in exchange for the 2016-17 NBA MVP. Today was the 32-year-old Westbrook's first attempt at throwing the first pitch for his home team. After two seasons spent with the UCLA Bruins and being named Pac-10 Defensive Player-of-the-Year, he was drafted fourth overall in 2008.
After 11 seasons as the NBA's leader in triple-doubles (184) he moved to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He then spent one year with the Wizards and Houston Rockets. In each of the six previous seasons, Westbrook made the playoffs.
The defending World Series champions should invite Los Angeles' new star to help him achieve another feat in athletics.
Another dream came true ......
WHYNOT pic.twitter.com/7sbAuRoRBM Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) August 22, 2021
Before the game, Westbrook met up with Mookie Betts, the Dodgers All-Star right-fielder. After winning the 2018 World Series ring with the Boston Red Sox, the Dodgers won the second ring in his career.
According to Elias Sports Bureau research Betts is the fourth player in MLB, NBA NFL, NHL or NHL history to win a title both with Los Angeles-based teams. Over their careers, Westbrook and Betts earned two league MVP awards as well as 14 All-Star selections.
Surprisingly, Westbrook isn’t the only active Laker who throws the first pitch for the Dodgers.
LeBron James is not the answer.
Anthony Davis, who moved west to Dodger Blue two years ago, made his Lakers debut.
Westbrook joins Lakers in pursuit of his first NBA championship. Los Angeles was eliminated from the NBA Playoffs in the first round this year after winning its 17th title, in 2020. This tied the Boston Celtics record for most NBA titles.
