Russell Westbrook has ample reason to dislike, both, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers right now.
Things completely fell apart between Westbrook and the team before LA ultimately traded him to the Jazz. It happens. But the Lakers also kicked Westbrook while he was down on the way out.
Some on the team reportedly called Westbrook a “vampire” and blamed him for the team’s terrible chemistry. It was as if it were completely Westbrook’s fault that the Lakers traded for him in the first place. It was completely ridiculous.
Now, Westbrook got himself a bit of revenge on Wednesday night in a Clippers win over the Lakers that may have derailed the latter’s season a bit.
In the most important Clipper-Laker matchup we’ve ever had, Westbrook dropped 14 points and 4 assists along with 2 made 3-pointers to help push the Clippers to a 125-118 win.
And he trolled the Lakers — and, more specifically, LeBron James — every step of the way.
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He pointed at James after he made a 3-pointer
This is where it all started, honestly. Westbrook hit a shot from deep — something he couldn’t seem to do in LA — and then immediately pointed at LeBron James.
Westbrook coming for LeBron's Neck 👀 pic.twitter.com/7vl2fSGivU
— Zierough (@Zierough) April 6, 2023
From that moment forward, you just knew it was on.
He did it again after another jumper
Westbrook was clearly feeling himself a bit after this pull-up jumper. Another point directly at LeBron here.
Russell Westbrook drills the jumper and points at LeBron James pic.twitter.com/HkROOCCd0b
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) April 6, 2023
This is fun.
He also told LeBron "good pass" after a turnover
James looked to hit a teammate cutting, but the ball found Westbrook on the bench instead. Just like the good ole days.
LeBron James passes to Russell Westbrook on the Clippers bench.
Russ pointed to him and said ‘good pass!’ 😂
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 6, 2023
Trololololol.
James did get a glare in
LeBron James did drop 33-points including a brilliant 30-point second half, so, of course, he had his moments.
LeBron James appears to have some words with Russell Westbrook after the and-1 pic.twitter.com/RUZOcnLH3S
— Oh no he didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) April 6, 2023
Of course, that hits less hard considering the Lakers were down double-digits. But still. It’s a moment.
All in all, this was some great theater. It’s unfortunate things turned out this way for the Lakers and Westbrook, but as fans? We absolutely love to see it.
There’s almost no way we get a series between these two in the playoffs considering they’re both in the bottom half of the West, but man. Basketball Gods. Please — if not now, then someday — let us get more of this.
