At first glance, one might conclude that Russell Westbrook and Reggie Jackson are rivals on the basketball court. Over the years, they’ve had their fair share of battles, and they’ve been described as intense and personal in the past.
But according to the Clippers point guard himself, he has no beef with Russ. Here’s what he said in a chat with Sam Amick of The Athletic:
“I mean I see him around. We play pick up and all (during the offseason). There’s no problem (laughs) — at all. I always wish him well, always tell him to tell his family what’s up for me. He was definitely — even though we were around the same age — he was definitely my vet, showing me the ropes, taking me around, making me comfortable. I think a lot of my aggression and my fire, and the way I play is because we’re all a product of our environment. So I also felt like I was raised under him as well. I’m always appreciative of Russ and thankful for all he’s done for me during my career. He raised me and showed me the ropes, especially preparing me for… what it was going to be like being a starter in the league and taking your lumps, the ups and downs and staying confident in yourself and even keel. I think a lot of that was from watching him and just getting to pick his brain and talk to him. But when we get out there and it’s time to compete, there’s no friends (laughs).”
Jackson and Westbrook were once teammates in OKC, which is where their storied history begins.
As the Sixth Man of the Thunder, behind Russell Westbrook, there was always a sense that he resented the triple-double star for starting over him.
During their most recent matchup on March 3rd, the “rivalry” saw new light after Reggie put his former teammate on the wrong end of a crossover.
Whatever the case, Jackson is shooting down the narrative of beef between him and Russ. Apparently, it’s all love and appreciation.
Whatever you chose to believe, it doesn’t change the fact that games between the two always seem to have something extra to them.
