Russell Westbrook
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - Russell Westbrook (#0) of the LA Clippers reacts as he is introduced before the Rain City Showcase in a preseason NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Climate Pledge Arena. Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Russell Westbrook appears to have found a new home with the Los Angeles Clippers, although he admits he is far from his old form. According to the 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player, he can only say he is back to his old self if he can put up monster numbers again.

"Getting back to myself would be averaging 21/11/12... Ain't too many people did that but myself and somebody else. And I'm the only one that did it 4 times," the 34-year-old All-Star guard stated.

His previous stint with the Los Angeles Lakers hardly helped with his role with the purple and gold erratic. But once the 2023-24 NBA season starts, the nine-time All-Star will be a starter, as announced by head coach Tyronn Lue, SI.com reported.

Aside from Westbrook, the other starters will be Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac, and Terance Mann. From that mix, Mann - said to be the coveted piece of the Philadelphia 76ers to make a James Harden trade happen, may come as a surprise.

"I've always been a big fan of Terance and just his ability to do a lot of different things on the floor. So I challenge him with that daily. Just being better, being aggressive," Westbrook said.

Westbrook beyond the numbers

Beyond the Russell Westbrook stats with the Clippers, the two-time NBA scoring champion also wants to be a leader on the team, the Los Angeles Times reported. And in the eyes of his teammates, including Paul George, the 6-foot-4 guard has the potential to do so.

"He just always had energy, so who am I to be like, 'Hey, I'm feeling it today, or I'm tired,'" Paul George said. "It just changed the mindset every time I stepped on the court, and I think that's just what he brings to this team. I think that's his value and why I really wanted him here so much."