Shaquille O'Neal wants Russell Westbrook at LA Clippers to "throw it in the face of Laker fans": Explaining Shaq's comments on recently-traded Russ

Russell Westbrook is weighing options for the next stop of his basketball journey. NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal wants Westbrook to stay right in Los Angeles.

After being traded from the LA Lakers, veteran guard Russell Westbrook is expected to be bought out by the Utah Jazz. It would give Westbrook the opportunity to become a free agent and sign with any team he chooses. Several candidates have been mentioned for Westbrook's services.

Those teams include the Miami Heat, the Chicago Bulls, the Washington Wizards, and the Los Angeles Clippers. The most fascinating pairing for Westbrook could be the Clippers. It would give Russell the opportunity to reunite with former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Paul George.

Appearing recently on "The Big Podcast," NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal gave his preference for where he's rooting for Westbrook to go next. O'Neal stated that he wants Westbrook to go with the Clippers and "throw it in the face of Laker fans." Shaq emphasized that Westbrook should go with the team "that's making the playoffs."

"If I was him, I would throw it in the face of the Laker fans and go with the team that's making the playoffs."

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LA Clippers interested in Russell Westbrook

Could Russell Westbrook be on his way to the LA Clippers?

Shaquille O'Neal could be onto something when it comes to the potential pairing between Russell Westbrook and the LA Clippers. In a report today from NBA insider Shams Charania, Westbrook began conversations with the Clippers.

The Clippers had to receive permission to talk to Westbrook as he is still with the Utah Jazz. The Jazz granted that and it looks as if Los Angeles is heating up as a potential destination for Russell.

Westbrook was brought to the LA Lakers as a potential third star alongside Anthony Davis and LeBron James. The experiment ran its course, but the Clippers could look to Westbrook for a potential jolt in their offense.

The talented guard has previously shown that he can play alongside Paul George. In the final season with the Thunder, Westbrook posted an average of 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game. The Clippers could be a team that makes a push in the Western Conference after the All-Star break. Time will tell if Westbrook will be part of that effort.