I don't hold it against Russ that we were horrid with him here because we did not have a team constructed to make a deep run nor play to his strengths (although you can argue trading for him handicapped our ability to do so). That's not on him.
The layups, ill-advised shots, turnovers, left-elbow bank shots that ricocheted everywhere, and taking 2-for-1 shots when we're up? Yes, I can hold that against him and no, that wasn't anyone else's fault.
He's an all-time ALL-TIME great and nothing about his Lakers tenure changes that. One of the best all time at his position.
But we're not gonna do some revisionist history with him either. Both sides were better off never being together, and it's unfortunate it was not only such a disaster, but Russ' PR went into the toilet. It was clear early that it wasn't a viable fit.
KD left Russ to dry in OKC and joined the team they should’ve beaten together en route to their 1st ring. Russ stayed in OKC knowing their days of contention were over, put on the most electrifying MVP season of all time and played his heart out every night. OKC didn’t even give this man a farewell tour in return.
You guys are vastly underestimating how expensive it is to exist right now. Even gainfully employed people are borrowing money like mad just to get through the month.