"Joker, beware" - Skip Bayless warns Nikola Jokic after Russell Westbrook trade, says LeBron James pushed for his exit after orchestrating the move

Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook are about to team up in Denver next season but Skip Bayless has a warning for "The Joker." The Nuggets will reportedly sign Westbrook once he finalizes his buyout with the Utah Jazz. The LA Clippers traded the former MVP to Utah as a part of a sign-and-trade deal for Kris Dunn.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Bayless cautioned Jokic and the Nuggets about Westbrook's history with the LA Lakers. LeBron James once wanted the dynamic point guard before pushing for his exit once everything went south.

"Joker, beware: Once, LeBron pushed for the Lakers to go get Russell Westbrook. Pretty soon LeBron was pushing even harder for the Lakers to get rid of him," Bayless said.

The Denver Nuggets have been linked with Russell Westbrook since the start of free agency. Westbrook opted into his contract with the LA Clippers, but the franchise didn't want him back. He got dealt to the Utah Jazz for Kris Dunn in a sign-and-trade.

It was Westbrook's second "stint" with the Jazz since the LA Lakers also sent him there when they got rid of him. He had a buyout agreement with Utah and went on to sign with the Clippers.

Westbrook had a much more successful stint with the Clippers than the Lakers although there were times wherein he was really ineffective. Nevertheless, he will get another fresh start in the Mile High City with a three-time NBA MVP in Nikola Jokic.

It's still unclear what role Westbrook would play in Denver since the Nuggets lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency. Jamal Murray would be too small and liable on the defensive end as a shooting guard, so the 35-year-old will most likely come off the bench.

Russell Westbrook should give the Nuggets' second unit a boost and they could finally play fast with their young guys such as Christian Braun, Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson and Zeke Nnaji.

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Former Nuggets head coach likes the Russell Westbrook addition

Not everybody was a fan of Russell Westbrook joining the Denver Nuggets since he's no longer the player he once was. However, ex-Nuggets head coach George Karl liked the addition of the former MVP to the 2023 NBA champions.

"I love Russ in Denver. Puts the Nuggets back on top of the West. Russ is a tough dude, a dawg. A warrior. He brings incredible athleticism and experience. He will play great alongside and behind Jamal. Let's go," Karl wrote.

The Nuggets have been looking for a dynamo off the bench since losing Bruce Brown Jr. in free agency last year. Westbrook is expected to bring the same energy every night, which should energize Denver's lackluster bench corp.