Russell Westbrook reflects on moving to #10 on the all-time NBA assists leaderboard: "I don’t take anything for granted"

Russell Westbrook moved past Hall of Famer Gary Payton for 10th place in the NBA’s all-time assists leaders. The former MVP needed five assists heading into the LA Lakers’ matchup against the Brooklyn Nets last night to overtake Payton.

Here’s what “Russ” had to say after the game about getting into the top 10 of the said all-time ranking:

“I don’t take none of this game for granted since day 1. … I never cheat the game, I go out and compete every night. I do my job every single night regardless of all the things that’s thrown at me. It means a lot from where I started to where I’m at.

“I’m just truly grateful and thankful for the opportunity to keep playing at the highest level and I don’t take anything for granted.”

Russell Westbrook doubled what was required of him to grab his new spot. He played 30 minutes and ended with 17 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds but could not lead the LA Lakers to a win.

Westbrook’s assists average has taken a hit since joining the LA Lakers in the summer of 2021. He led the NBA in that category for three of the four seasons before joining his hometown team.

“Russ” averaged 7.0 APG during the 2019-20 season while playing alongside another ball-dominant guard in James Harden. That has been the case with LeBron James as the four-time MVP is unquestionably the Lakers’ main playmaker.

Russell Westbrook had 7.1 APG last season and now holds a team-leading 7.5 APG. His impact has been pronounced more as part of the second unit as he has the ball in his hands more. Westbrook’s growing chemistry with Anthony Davis in James-less minutes has been a pleasant surprise for Darvin Ham.

Per Ham’s strategy, Westbrook became a staple of the second unit. After initial pushback, the former OKC Thunder star has embraced the role with gusto, resulting in an uptick in his performance and impact. He’s now considered by many to be the top contender for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award.

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Will Russell Westbrook eventually win an NBA championship like Gary Payton?

Could Russell Westbrook win a title late in his career like Gary Payton? [photo: Bleacher Report]

The biggest hole in Russell Westbrook’s resume is an NBA title. He was ridiculed last season for saying he had no expectations when he joined the LA Lakers. But deep down, as a competitor who’s playing for the hometown team, that could not have been true.

His career with the Lakers could end without a title to crown it. The LA Lakers have shown that they can beat elite teams this season, but it remains to be seen if they can even get to the playoffs. They have a 23-28 record after their loss to the Nets, which puts them in 13th place in the Western Conference.

Russell Westbrook is playing in the final year of his contract and is likely to sign for another team next season. He could be past his prime when he can hopefully grab the only missing piece of hardware in his collection.

Gary Payton won his championship ring during the 2005-06 season when he joined an aging Miami Heat squad featuring Shaquille O’Neal, Alonzo Mourning and a few others. They were led by an up-and-coming star named Dwyane Wade.

Hopefully, Russell Westbrook will get his championship trophy to cap off a sure Hall of Fame career.