RUSSELL WESTBROOK

LeBron James welcomed Anthony Davis back with a lob pass for the game’s first basket, then turned to this own offense to score 33 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 106-96 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

Lakers coach Frank Vogel is shrugging off widespread reports of his job insecurity.

The basic mantra for all NBA teams this season should be just get into the playoffs.

LeBron James scored 25 points and Stanley Johnson had 10 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 101-95 win over the Utah Jazz.

De’Aaron Fox scored 29 points, Chimezie Metu made a clutch 3-pointer with 46.7 seconds remaining and the Sacramento Kings ended their longest losing streak of the season by beating the Los Angeles Lakers 125-116.

The Memphis Grizzlies set a franchise record with their ninth straight win, getting 16 points and a breathtaking block from Ja Morant in a 127-119 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers held off the Atlanta Hawks 134-118 for their first four-game winning streak of the season.

LeBron James scored a season-high 43 points and extended his streak of 30-point games to seven in the Los Angeles Lakers' 139-106 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.

Ja Morant scored 41 points, Desmond Bane added 20 and the Memphis Grizzlies overcame a 14-point second-half deficit to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 104-99 on Wednesday night.

LeBron James and Russell Westbrook both had triple-doubles as the Los Angeles Lakers snapped a season-high,five-game skid with a 132-123 win over the Houston Rockets.

Nic Claxton threw down a tiebreaking alley-oop over LeBron James with 40.7 seconds left, and James Harden and the Brooklyn Nets returned from a week-long COVID-19 hiatus to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 122-115.

Nic Claxton threw down a tiebreaking alley-oop over LeBron James with 40.7 seconds left, and James Harden and the Brooklyn Nets returned from a week-long COVID-19 hiatus to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 122-115 Saturday night. The last helper was a lob that Claxton caught with two hands while soaring over James, who had just helped Los Angeles erase a 20-point deficit. Claxton posterized the 17-time All-Star, then made a free throw for a three-point play and a 118-115 lead.

Keita Bates-Diop scored a career-high 30 points and the San Antonio Spurs routed the slumping Los Angeles Lakers 138-110 in the final event at Staples Center under the 22-year-old arena’s original name.

Devin Booker continued to distance himself from a hamstring injury that cost him seven games, scoring 24 points with nine rebounds and seven assists as the Phoenix Suns earned a 108-90 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

DeMar DeRozan scored 38 points after missing two weeks in the NBA’s health and safety protocols to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 115-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

The NBA has called off five games for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday because of coronavirus-related concerns.

Karl-Anthony Towns and the Minnesota Timberwolves blew out the depleted Los Angeles Lakers for a second time this season with a 110-92 victory.

Russell Westbrook had a short stay in the NBA’s health and safety protocols.

The NBA and its players finalized a deal Thursday night for additional protocols through the holidays, including daily testing resuming and increased use of face masks mandated again.

Rookie Austin Reaves swished a 3-pointer with 0.9 seconds left in overtime to give the Los Angeles Lakers a 107-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

The Los Angeles Lakers rolled past the Orlando Magic 106-94 for their fifth victory in seven games.

LeBron James scored 30 points and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 117-102 in the latest chapter of the NBA’s most storied rivalry.

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields told Insider he can do a full workout with just "bands, a weight rack, and kettlebells." Here's how.

Anthony Davis scored 25 points, Russell Westbrook added 23 and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame the absence of LeBron James to beat the Sacramento Kings 117-92.

LeBron James has been placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols, and was ruled out for the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night.

De’Aaron Fox scored 34 points, Buddy Hield had 13 of his 25 points after regulation and the Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 141-137 in triple overtime Friday night.

LeBron James made the tiebreaking 3-pointer in overtime and followed with a back-breaking 3 in his return from the first suspension of his career to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat Indiana 124-116 on Wednesday night.

Evan Fournier scored 26 points, Immanuel Quickley had 12 of his 14 in the fourth quarter after New York had blown a 25-point lead, and the Knicks beat a Los Angeles Lakers team missing suspended star LeBron James 106-100.

LeBron James was ejected early in the third quarter after drawing blood by hitting Isaiah Stewart in the face, leaving Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook to rally the Los Angeles Lakers to a 121-116 victory over the Detroit Pistons.

LeBron James was ejected from the Los Angeles Lakers-Detroit Pistons game after drawing blood on Isaiah Stewart’s face when they were tangled up while boxing out for a rebound on Sunday night.

LeBron James was ejected from the Los Angeles Lakers-Detroit Pistons game after drawing blood on Isaiah Stewart's face when they were tangled up while boxing out for a rebound on Sunday night. James's left elbow and hand appeared to make contact with Stewart above the neck, sending him into a bloody rage. Detroit's center had to be held back more than once, keeping him separated from the NBA superstar.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 47 points and Khris Middleton tied Milwaukee’s franchise record for career 3-pointers in the Bucks’ 109-102 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.

DeMar DeRozan scored a season-high 38 points and Zach LaVine added 26 in the Chicago Bulls’ 121-103 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Anthony Davis had 34 points and 15 rebounds to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the San Antonio Spurs 114-106 on Sunday.

Malik Monk scored five of his season-high 27 points in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a big deficit in the final minutes of regulation before surging in overtime for a 120-117 victory over the Miami Heat.

LeBron James scored 14 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, Russell Westbrook added 27 points and the Los Angeles Lakers swept back-to-back games against the Houston Rockets with a 119-117 victory.

Carmelo Anthony scored 28 points, Anthony Davis had 22 points and four blocks and LeBron James scored 19 points as the Los Angeles Lakers overcame Ja Morant’s 40-point game and beat the Memphis Grizzlies 121-118 Sunday night for their first win of the season.

Chris Paul scored his 20,000th career point on the way to 23 points and 14 assists, and Devin Booker added 22 points in the Phoenix Suns’ 115-105 victory over the winless Los Angeles Lakers.

Russell Westbrook doesn't depend on heavy weightlifting to keep his strength up, and instead just does pushups each morning.

Stephen Curry had 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the Golden State Warriors, who rallied from 10 points down to stun Lebron James, Anthony Davis and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers 121-114 in a season opener.

The Western Conference has the best regular season team from last year in Utah.

LeBron James and Russell Westbrook were on one side.

LeBron James has heard the basketball world talking about how the Los Angeles Lakers are too old, and he is laughing.

BioSteel will have exposure on the Lakers bench and in-arena signage at Staples Center. Beverage deals with top NBA teams can range up to $5 million per year.

Russell Westbrook is realizing a childhood dream by coming home to play for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Washington Wizards have agreed to send superstar Russell Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers are acquiring All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards for three players and this year’s first-round draft pick.

Damian Lillard was nearly flat on his back, trying to save a possession the U.S. couldn’t afford to lose.

The Washington Wizards have decided to move on from coach Scott Brooks after five seasons.

Fan interaction with the athletes has always been a component of sporting events, whether it’s been the good, the bad or the ugly, to steal the title from the famous western movie of the 1960s.

As America reopens, people have forgotten their manners. From sports stadiums to retail stores to the airlines, there's been a rise in bad behavior.

Seth Curry scored 30 points, Tobias Harris had 28 and the Philadelphia 76ers finished off the Washington Wizards in five games with a 129-112 victory Wednesday night.

Philadelphia, Utah and Atlanta can reach the second round.

There is no shortage of former Houston Rockets to root for fun the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

Philadelphia center Joel Embiid left in the first quarter with a sore right knee and the 76ers lost Game 4 of their playoff series against the Washington Wizards 122-114.

A fan has been tackled as he tried to get on the court during an NBA playoff game between the Wizards and 76ers.

Kyrie Irving had a bottle thrown at him when he left the court after the Nets' 141-126 victory over the Celtics — the latest incident of ugly fan behavior at an NBA game.

Memphis Grizzlies’ fans cheered Mike Conley earlier this year when he finally earned All-Star recognition in his 14th season.

It took someone (Russell Westbrook) 47 years before breaking Oscar Robertson's triple-double mark. Other sports records are taking longer to break.

Russell Westbrook reached his 182nd career triple-double, breaking Oscar Robertson's all-time record, during the Wizards' game vs. the Hawks Monday.

Westbrook, one of the most scrutinized, under-appreciated All-Stars, ties Oscar Robertson's triple-double record.

Russell Westbrook tied Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson's longstanding NBA record with his 181st career triple-double.

The cryptocurrency world is abuzz with talk of digital collectibles, unique virtual tokens that can represent anything from art to sports memorabilia. People have been paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for these NFTs, or non-fungible tokens. Even Mark Cuban and other celebrities are cashing in on the NFT craze. It's reminded some investors of the initial coin offering, or ICO, bubble in 2017, when multiple start-ups issued new digital tokens to raise money. There are some parallels with the ICO frenzy — for example, celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Mark Cuban have recently sold NFTs.

Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards reacts prior to playing against the Denver Nuggets at Capital One Arena on February 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. National Basketball Association star Russell Westbrook has joined financial tech firm Varo Bank as a new investor after the company raised $63 million in a new funding round. Varo Bank announced the funding round on Thursday, adding Westbrook's investment was made through his enterprise firm. Investment company Jefferies Group advised Westbrook in the transition. In his first year with the Washington Wizards, Westbrook is averaging 18.9 points, 9.4 rebounds and 9.5 assists.

TikTok user breaks down environmental racism in Harris County Apparently, some people believe environmental racism is a myth — and Frederick Lewis is not...Ted Cruz encounters his first burned bridge of 2021 The senator is not having a good time on Twitter lately. What you should know about Texans' new coach David Culley David Culley is known as a players' coach and even worked well with Terrell Owens.

Here's how Rick Ross was influenced by Houston In the early years of his career, Rick Ross was largely influenced by DJ Screw and other...What was behind the John Wall-Russell Westbrook on-court feud? Wall and Westbrook both talked about what was going on in their spat on the court.

Late Monday night, the Rockets dealt Robert Covington for former Rocket Trevor Ariza and two first round draft picks, including the sixteenth pick in Wednesday's draft. Which brings about the question: Are the Rockets about to implode the entire team and start from scratch? Any deal to net one of the team's two superstars would have to include a package of players and draft picks. Already strapped for cash, with minimal young assets and no draft picks, it makes sense that the Rockets would at least consider imploding it all. So, if this is the end of this era of the Houston Rockets, perhaps burning the whole thing to the ground is the right approach.

3 Houston suburbs listed among America's best mid-sized cities If you want to step away from the dense rush-hour traffic and hustle and bustle of Houston,...

Using Instagram clues to figure out James Harden's Rockets future James Harden caused a bit of a star with a cryptic Instagram video on Monday. 15 Etsy gifts to remind Houstonians of home Houstonians don't need to get on a plane to feel at home this year, shop Etsy instead.

‘Hou-Ville' is coming to downtown Houston Santa is coming to town and bringing an Astros-themed gingerbread house with him. Astros to make Sugar Land Skeeters their Class AAA affiliate It just got a lot easier for Astros fans to see some of their team's top prospects. Houston's unsung heroes come to life in Discovery Green Looking to pay tribute to Houston's heroes? Discovery Green is the place for you.

Texas lawmakers begin push to legalize marijuana Marijuana is legal in some form in 38 states, but Texas is not one of them...yet. Houston City Council approves COVID relief Fifteen restaurants & companies will deliver up to 20K meals per week, through the end of...

Representation matters and Disney knows it A new Disney ad, "From Our Family to Yours," features a Filipino family paying homage to...Biopic depicting the life of Houston's DJ Screw debuts this month The Houston Cinema Arts Festival will host two events to honor the legendary DJ. Reports: Rockets' Russell Westbrook wants to be traded There are reports of Russell Westbrook wanting to move on from James Harden and the Rockets.

Biopic depicting the life of Houston's DJ Screw debuts this month The Houston Cinema Arts Festival will host two events to honor the legendary DJ. Reports: Rockets' Russell Westbrook wants to be traded There are reports of Russell Westbrook wanting to move on from James Harden and the Rockets.

It wasn't all that long ago that we were touting a "golden age" of Houston sports. each has at least one player who has the talent to be in the MVP conversation in his respective sport. MITIGATING FACTORMoving Harden almost assuredly turns this team into an also-ran, which would make for some likely apathy among Houston sports fans. It think betting on a teardown is betting on the underdog, but I think some sort of modified rebuild is absolutely in play. Someone is going to have a hell of a roster cleanup on their hands when they take over for him.

On Thursday, the Rockets took a commanding lead in the series beating Oklahoma City 111-98 thanks to a furious second half comeback. By the second half, Houston refocused its defense and found its shot. The key for House is effort and he gave it, particularly in the second half. His energy and quick hands were a big part of what spurred the Rockets second half comeback. After a miserable shooting first half, the Rockets did what they do: They kept shooting.

Foundation is providing 650 computers for students and their families in collaboration with Comp-U-Dopt, a charity distributing computers to the underserved. Skyping in from California, Westbrook spoke about the importance of students being able to continue their educations from home. The city's two testing centers will be ramping up with each of them able to handle up to 500 COVID-19 tests a day. The latest casualties were a Hispanic woman in her 90s and an African American man in his 70s, both with underlying health conditions according to the Houston Health Department. As of Monday afternoon, Harris County was reporting 28 COVID-19 related deaths in the unincorporated areas of the county, with a total of 1,508 confirmed cases.

Facing an awful Knicks team, the Rockets got down early, made a run to come back, but fell short late. Related Stories Rockets vs Clippers: Scenes From The GamePlenty will be made by the national media that this a referendum on the Rockets small ball experiment. They remain fourth in the West, now two-and-a-half back of Utah and three-and-a-half back of the Clippers. But they are tied with Utah (the Rockets own the tiebreaker) and just one-and-a-half games up on Oklahoma City and two ahead of Dallas. The Western Conference is brutally tough and the Rockets can't afford to string together any more weeks like this one.

HOUSTON - Despite an entirely different lineup of Golden State Warriors, James Harden was still out for blood Wednesday night. Harden had 36 points and 13 assists and the Houston Rockets routed Golden State 129-112, sending the short-handed Warriors to their sixth loss in eight games this season. Alec Burks led Golden State with 28 points. Russell, who sat on the Golden State bench, could return Friday, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. Golden State fell to 2-6 for the first time in eight years.

Houston Rockets guard James Harden shoots against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jae Crowder in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn.MEMPHIS, Tenn. - James Harden scored 44 points, and the Houston Rockets recovered from a poor performance a night earlier at Miami for a 107-100 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Harden carried the load for the Rockets, who shot 38% from the field and were without Russell Westbrook, who took the night off for rest. The game got testy with about two minutes left when Grizzlies forward Jae Crowder appeared to take a shot to the groin while guarding Harden. After the foul was called on Crowder, Harden and the Grizzlies exchanged words, leading to Crowder's ejection. Houston was competitive against Memphis and a late burst in the half gave the Rockets a 62-60 lead at intermission.

The Houston Rockets are incredibly talented. Jimmy Butler scored 18 points and had nine assists for the Heat, and James Johnson scored 17 in his season debut. The Heat had 38 assists to Houston's 19, and the Rockets were just 14 of 48 from 3-point range. Heat: Miami had a 48-point quarter at New York in 1989 and a 47-point quarter at Boston in 1990. So was Dorell Wright, part of the 2006 Heat NBA championship team.

HOUSTON - James Harden scored 29 points and Russell Westbrook added his second straight triple-double with 28 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead the Houston Rockets to a 126-123 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. Westbrook hit two clutch free throws to give Houston the three-point lead with 6.1 seconds remaining. Westbrook and Harden combined for 12 turnovers, with Harden leading the game with eight. Harden was 2 of 18 from the 3-point line after going 1 for 8 in the opener. For the last play of the third quarter, Westbrook found Austin Rivers for a corner 3 to cut New Orleans' lead to 100-97 entering the fourth quarter.

Russell Westbrook attends as Harper's BAZAAR Celebrates "ICONS By Carine Roitfeld" at the Plaza Hotel on September 7, 2018 in New York City. Courtest: GQSo lets take a look at the top five Russell Westbrook outfitsThe construction vest (January 2018)Westbrook actually wore this outfit in Houston, showing up in the "putting in work" construction vest. The ripped shirt (January 2018)Courtesy: NBAWestbrook walked in the arena, saying his son ripped his shirt but no one really believes him. Barkley again went in on Westbrook for this, calling it a fashion faux pas and saying Westbrook should buy full shirts with his new contract. The oven mitts (January 2019)Courtesy: NBAThere isnt a whole lot to say here just Westbrook wearing oven mitts.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 19: (L-R) James Harden, Tilman Fertitta and Russell Westbrook attend game six of the American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on October 19, 2019 inThere were a handful of celebs on hand for the Houston Astros Game 6 ALCS victory over the New York Yankees. James Harden, Tilman Fertitta and Russell Westbrook could be seen chatting during the game. HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 19: Kate Upton attends game six of the American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on October 19, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 19: Kate Upton celebrates the Houston Astros 6-4 win in game six of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on October 19, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by BobHOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 19: (L-R) James Harden, Tilman Fertitta and Russell Westbrook attend game six of the American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on October 19, 2019 inCopyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

EMBED >More News Videos The new secondary logo appears to be inspired by Saturn, adding a basketball and orbiting ring to the classic logo. EMBED >More News Videos Here are the major moments from the Houston Rockets news conference to introduce Russell Westbrook. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- When the word "dish" applies to the Houston Rockets, it's usually for an outstanding drive to the hoop by James Harden.But Toyota Center wants you to re-think dishes inside its hallowed halls with new upscale and classic fare for the 2019-2020 Rockets season.Before the team's final preseason game against San Antonio, Toyota Center gave a taste of the debuting dishes that will make both hardcore Red Nation members and discriminating foodies satisfied.A lot of the new food is part of the high-end Red & White Wine Bistro - which offers rotating offerings throughout the season, as well as the long-standing HTX Brew & Grub, Haute Dog, and Stand 113 concessions.In addition, Landry's Saltgrass is throwing in its take on the Nashville chicken sandwich and nachos loaded with brisket.The video above gives a sampling of the new dishes you can enjoy while watching Harden, Russell Westbrook and company accomplish their "One Mission."

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- If you were inside Minute Maid Park during Sunday night's drama-filled Game 2 of the AL Championship Series, there were stars in the stands among you.The Houston Astros slug-fest with the New York Yankees had big names watching every pitch, swing and catch.Most prominent of the recognizable faces throughout the TV broadcast was Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook. Fresh off a tour of Japan with the team, the NBA point guard sat behind home plate, with just the backstop and netting directly separating him from the field.He appeared to be sitting in seats usually reserved for his team owner Tilman Fertitta and his family.What fans at home or in the ballpark may not have known was that comedian Dave Chappelle was also in attendance Sunday night.The popular entertainer posed with Houston rappers Paul Wall and Trae Tha Truth, who was recruited to hype up the crowd with the "play ball" announcement on the field, in a photo from Minute Maid Park on Trae's Instagram page.Chappelle appeared to have stuck around town after staging three surprise shows inside the Bronze Peacock at the House of Blues in downtown.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- If you were inside Minute Maid Park during Sunday night's drama-filled Game 2 of the AL Championship Series, there were stars in the stands among you.The Houston Astros slug-fest with the New York Yankees had big names watching every pitch, swing and catch.Most prominent of the recognizable faces throughout the TV broadcast was Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook. Fresh off a tour of Japan with the team, the NBA point guard sat behind home plate, with just the backstop and netting directly separating him from the field.He appeared to be sitting in seats usually reserved for his team owner Tilman Fertitta and his family.What fans at home or in the ballpark may not have known was that comedian Dave Chappelle was also in attendance Sunday night.The popular entertainer posed with Houston rappers Paul Wall and Trae Tha Truth, who was recruited to hype up the crowd with the "play ball" announcement on the field, in a photo from Minute Maid Park on Trae's Instagram page.Chappelle appeared to have stuck around town after staging three surprise shows inside the Bronze Peacock at the House of Blues in downtown.

So, give your favorite auntie or uncle a call and let them know how much you appreciate them. As we head into Saturday and Sunday, winds are off the Gulf, but the Gulf is fairly dry. 5 things to know about the Grand Parkway and why it may not be completedThe Grand Parkway may not be completed. Read moreMan who shot at deputy arrested after 2-hour search in NW Harris County, officials sayThe man sheriff's deputies say they are searching for in northwest Harris County on July 26, 2019. A manhunt Friday in a northwest Harris County neighborhood ended with the arrest of a suspect who authorities said opened fire on a deputy.

So, give your favorite auntie or uncle a call and let them know how much you appreciate them. As we head into Saturday and Sunday, winds are off the Gulf, but the Gulf is fairly dry. 5 things to know about the Grand Parkway and why it may not be completedThe Grand Parkway may not be completed. Read moreMan who shot at deputy arrested after 2-hour search in NW Harris County, officials sayThe man sheriff's deputies say they are searching for in northwest Harris County on July 26, 2019. A manhunt Friday in a northwest Harris County neighborhood ended with the arrest of a suspect who authorities said opened fire on a deputy.

New Rockets guard Russell Westbrook is asked about his thoughts of Houston so far. Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

EMBED >More News Videos Russell Westbrook: Basketball playing fashion icon's looks and shoe gameEMBED >More News Videos P.J. Whether it's breaking ankles on the court or shredding defenses on the field, the Houston Rockets and Texans are proven play-makers.So, it's no surprise that James Harden, Russell Westbrook, P.J. "Westbrook and Harden, who will be reuniting as teammates this coming season with the Rockets, topped the list as Icons.Of Westbrook, SI wrote, "The 30-year-old doesn't waver from his 'Why not?' "With Harden, the magazine alluded to the former MVP's play on the court, but never questioned his style off of it. "You can check out the Fashionable 50 list here .

KPRC2HOUSTON - The University of Houston is hosting the NCAA Basketball Academy July 22-28. Plenty of high-level Division I head coaches could be found at the Fertitta Center, including hosting coach Kelvin Sampson. Talked to Kelvin Sampson - who coached against Russell Westbrook & James Harden - on the fit for them. High, high character kid. At the end of the games, it was James, Russell, Kevin (Durant), Nick Collison and (Serge) Ibaka.

As I mentioned earlier, the Rockets have made a habit of trading for other teams' marquee, historical icons over the last two decades. SCOTTIE PIPPEN, Chicago 1998THE TRADE: January 22, 1999: Traded by the Chicago Bulls to the Houston Rockets for Roy Rogers and a 2000 2nd round draft pick (Jake Voskuhl was later selected). DWIGHT HOWARD, LA Lakers 2013THE TRANSACTION: July 13, 2013: Signed as a free agent with the Houston Rockets. RUSSELL WESTBROOK, Oklahoma City 2019THE TRADE: July 16, 2019: Traded by the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets for Chris Paul, a 2024 1st round pick, a 2026 1st round pick, and other draft considerations. ICON SCORE: 1st MIPIf Sam Presti says so, then I gotta believe that Russ was the most important Thunder player ever.

HOUSTON, Texas -- It's official: Russell Westbrook is now a member of the Houston Rockets.The long-reported deal that has the Rockets acquiring Westbrook from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Chris Paul, two future first-round picks (2024 and 2026) and the rights to two first-round swaps (2021 and 2025) was announced by both teams Tuesday evening. "Russell Westbrook is the most important player in the brief history of the Oklahoma City Thunder," OKC general manager Sam Presti said in a statement. "He has left an indelible mark on this team, city and state. Russell and his wife Nina, their three children, his brother and his parents will always remain part of the Thunder family. "We welcome Chris back to Oklahoma City where as a member of the Hornets he helped to pave the way for the Thunder's arrival in OKC."

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- James Harden is currently with Adidas touring Europe. "And now the opportunity came available to where Russ wasn't happy, and now we're back. It's going to be a lot of fun this year, I guarantee you that," Harden said to the fans.Harden and Westbrook's relationship started way before their days as teammates with the Thunder. Both grew up in Los Angeles and have known each other since they were 10 years old, according to Harden.The duo has been seen hanging out together many times since Harden was traded away from Oklahoma City in 2012.Harden was adamant on the Rockets acquiring Westbrook, according to reports. He and Westbrook both made it clear to their front offices that the duo wanted to be teammates again, according to reports.