The clash for the title of the best team in Los Angeles got off to a thrilling start. The LA Lakers went head-to-head against the LA Clippers and beat them in a thrilling contest. The two teams competed against each other at their full strength after a long time. LeBron James led the charge for the Lakers, and focused on taking down Kawhi Leonard and Co.

King James even showed no remorse to his former teammate Russell Westbrook, who is now a part of the Clippers roster. Before the tip-off, LeBron snubbed Westbrook for the pre-game handshake. Later in the game, The Akron Hammer asserted his dominance over his former teammate by rejecting him in a fiery manner.

LeBron James rejects Russell Westbrook

The Lakers managed to bounce back in the game after going down by double digits early in the game. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D?Angelo Russell took the scoring load on their shoulders. King James led the Lakers in scoring in the first three quarters and put up 21 points. While the Lakers were trailing the Clippers by 13 points early in the third quarter, LeBron swatted his former teammate Russell Westbrook?s layup attempt. The 4-time Champion also had some fiery words for the former MVP, ?Gimme That Sh*t.?

LeBron?s nasty block on Westbrook initiated the Lakers’ comeback. They finished the quarter leading the game by 2 points. It seems like King James was holding a grudge with Westbrook as they had a concerning exchange before the tip-off.

Are LeBron and Westbrook having a beef?

Before the tip-off, LeBron James went to every Clippers player for a pre-game handshake except Russ. While the King was dapping up the Clippers starters, Westbrook stood on the opposite basket looking at the crowd. LeBron did not bother going towards his former teammate and got in position for the tip-off. There might have left a sour taste in both superstars? mouths, considering how Westbrook departed from the Lakers last season.

Read More: With Lakers Down Bad, Skip Bayless Tears Into LeBron James for Overconfidence: ?Really, King??

Russ caught all the heat last season as the Lakers got off to an abysmal 2-10 start. He was later traded by the Lakers and he eventually joined the other team in Los Angeles. Westbrook is slowly getting back in form after leaving the shadow of King James. And there might be a beef brewing between the two superstars that led to their awkward pre-game interaction.

LeBron James successfully completed the comeback and beat his former teammate tonight. This win gets the Lakers over .500 and boosts their confidence going ahead.

Watch This Story: What Is a Clear Path Violation? LeBron James Getting Hacked by Magic Raises Question on Soccer-Like Foul