In a recent video capturing the pregame interactions between the LA Lakers and LA Clippers, LeBron James was seen greeting several Clippers players, including Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Bones Hyland, and Ivica Zubac. However, LeBron seemingly ignored Russell Westbrook, his former Lakers teammate, who was standing at a considerable distance on the other side of the court.
Bron dapped up every Clipper except Russ 🧐🤔 pic.twitter.com/Dhm8hNJ44v
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) November 2, 2023
The video prompted some fans to speculate that Westbrook intentionally ignored LeBron. However, it’s important to note that the two players were at least 47 feet apart from each other. It’s quite possible that LeBron didn’t make the effort to walk over to where Westbrook was standing. Moreover, Westbrook’s positioning on the opposite side of the court has been a part of his pregame routine for most of his career. He usually starts far from the tip-off area and moves into position if his team wins the jump ball.
Westbrook’s tenure with the Lakers last season was challenging, and the team found its stride after he was traded. The Lakers managed to reach the Western Conference finals despite being the seventh seed. In contrast, Westbrook’s performance improved when he joined the Clippers, helping them avoid the play-in tournament.
The Lakers and Clippers were facing off for the first time in the season, with the Lakers aiming to break their 11-game losing streak against their crosstown rivals. As of the last victory on July 30, 2020, it had been three years since the Lakers secured a win over the Clippers and they finally managed to break that streak with a 130-125 victory in overtime.
While the video may have fueled some speculation, the interactions between players before a game can be influenced by various factors, including logistics and individual preferences. Regardless of the pregame interactions, both LeBron James and Russell Westbrook remain prominent figures in the NBA.
Russell Westbrook Subtly Dissed LeBron James
Russell Westbrook’s recent remarks about his preferred position as a point guard appear to contain a subtle undertone that could be interpreted as a veiled critique of his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, potentially involving LeBron James.
Russell Westbrook stated:
“I’ve been a Point Guard since I’ve been in this league, and I always will be. I would say I’m pretty good at that position… I’m grateful that Paul and Kawhi allow me to play my position.”
While Westbrook’s comments do not explicitly name anyone, the context suggests that his experience with the Lakers, where he faced a challenging transition and mixed results, maybe a factor. During his tenure with the Lakers, Westbrook struggled to adapt to a different role and faced criticism as the team failed to secure a playoff spot, partly due to injuries to key players like LeBron James.
Westbrook’s resurgence and success with the Clippers, where he embraced a more complementary role and played a pivotal part during the playoffs, have showcased his ability to thrive in the right fit. While Westbrook’s words may not overtly diss LeBron James, they imply a sense of contentment with his current situation compared to his Lakers experience. This subtle shade underscores the importance of finding the right role and fit within a team to maximize a player’s potential.
LeBron James Reigned Supreme In Lakers vs. Clippers
In a highly anticipated matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers, LeBron James showcased his enduring brilliance by leading the Lakers to a 130-125 overtime victory. James finished the game with 35 points and 11 rebounds, proving once again that he remains one of the most dominant forces in the NBA even in his 21st season. This victory was particularly sweet for the Lakers, who had endured an 11-game losing streak against their crosstown rivals, the Clippers.
Despite significant injury absences that forced the Lakers to play with only eight available players, they managed to rally from a 19-point deficit early in the game. However, they nearly squandered an eight-point lead in the final 90 seconds of regulation, only to be rescued by LeBron James’ heroics.
In overtime, it was the Lakers’ Austin Reaves who shone, scoring seven of his 15 points and even providing an alley-oop assist to James, who delivered a thunderous one-handed slam. The victory not only ended the Lakers’ losing streak against the Clippers but also marked a significant turning point in the Lakers’ challenging season as they continue to adjust and find their chemistry as a team. LeBron James’ remarkable performance reaffirms his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history and further cements his legacy in the storied Lakers franchise.
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