Russell Westbrook has struggled during his first few months since joining the Los Angeles Lakers. While the trade has been frustrating for him on the floor, living in his hometown of Los Angeles has at least been beneficial for him on a personal level.

“Yeah, man, (he’s happy because) I get to see my kids, my family, my mom, my dad,” he told The Athletic while he headed for the team bus following a recent game at Sacramento. “To me, that’s more important than anything else. I’m able to be home and be able to embrace them. They get to see me, and as they get older I get to see my kids every day and take them to school every morning. To me, that brings joy.”

While the Lakers likely have second thoughts about trading for Westbrook, the same doesn't hold true for his end.

“No,” he said when asked if he had any regrets about the move. “Nah. I mean, not at all, because — like I told you — it’s bigger than basketball for me.”

Westbrook has a player option worth $47 million for next season and is playing for his fourth team in four seasons. Westbrook has been mentioned in trade rumors though a deal for now appears unlikely.

“I never worry,” he fired back when asked by The Athletic about trade rumors. “Do the job. Be professional. Every year, my name is in trade (rumors). It never, never, never seeps into how I approach what I do. It’s kind of what I was mentioning back there (during the press conference). I see this game so different (in terms of) how to use it to be able to impact things.

“Regardless of if (a trade) did happen or if it didn’t happen, nothing’s going to change my mentality or my purpose. I feel like I have a purpose that’s bigger than basketball and I always keep that as my forefront regardless of what happens inside of pro sports.”