Visibly Irritated, LeBron James Snaps Back at Celtics Employee for Reviving Russell Westbrook’s Lakers Controversy

A lot has transpired since Russell Westbrook’s turbulent stint with the LA Lakers. Now placed in Denver, Brodie is hopeful for a fresh start, playing alongside three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Within just one game, the former MVP dispelled any concerns about his dynamic with the Joker. He shot the three with great efficiency and connected the puzzle without the Serb on the floor! Yet, the talk during the preseason game was about his vengeance story. In particular, him getting payback against LeBron James and the Lakers.

“I am rooting for him to make like 9 threes against the Lakers,” the game announcer in Abu Dhabi proclaimed. The conversation, though, soon took a direct aim at LeBron James himself. The commentators suggested that it wasn’t uncommon for a teammate of the Akron Hammer to become the “scapegoat” after things go south. The four-time MVP likewise wasn’t pleased with the situation.

Before that, the question really is- Should such speculation be allowed on air during a game? While the atmosphere in fan forums is quite informal and too passionate at times, a sportscaster or commentator taking an indirect hit at Bron on live TV is seriously uncalled for.

“Took a trip all the way to Abu Dhabi to be on my…..Eat some breakfast first! Anyways Brodie a LEGEND,” LeBron James wrote in a scathing tweet referencing the announcers in the viral clip.

According to reports, it was LeBron James who pushed for Russell Westbrook’s trade and was also among the people who felt a change in the scenery, would be ideal for both sides. However, there was never any resentment or blame that the 22-season veteran directed toward Brodie. In fact, the Laker admires how Beastbrook, no matter the adversity, is “reliable”. 

During his tenure with the Purple and Gold, which lasted part of two seasons, one thing Russell Westbrook thrived in doing was always being available. No matter how ruthless the fans got, never once did Brodie complain.

Yes, he had certain moments of confrontation, but only because his name and image were being tarnished. As a basketball superstar who has been at the highest of levels, Russell Westbrook never let that benchmark slip.

Was Russell Westbrook really at fault for LeBron James and the Lakers’ failures?

Growing up in Los Angeles, Russell Westbrook remembers the times he skipped school to watch the championship parades. It was a dream for him to represent his childhood dream. He even had conversations with Kobe Bryant, understanding the responsibility of being a Laker. “It’s just crazy to think about and that’ll be with me every time I put that Lakers jersey on,” the now-Denver star had said in 2021. But as they say, without a complementing environment, it becomes difficult to thrive.

Westbrook is the most productive when being the guy running the entire offense. His pace is atomic, and a standard that until the Lakers, every other team he played on adjusted to. All of a sudden, though, he had to share the role besides LeBron James and was then asked to become a floor-spacing threat with the King on the floor.

That had never been the role for Russell Westbrook. He had proven to play brilliantly off the ball. With the Houston Rockets, he managed to average 27 points while playing with James Harden at his offensive peak. Although there wasn’t an expectation for him to remain stationary, but rather attack the rim. It’s the most fierce facet of his game, after all.

With the Lakers, even though a third option, he attempted more threes than when he played with the Beard in Houston. Logically, there was no place for Westbrook during his time with the Lakers. Or rather, the schemes weren’t catered to maximize his impact. Yes, he did experience a technical decline, but it can be linked to him never having a comfortable atmosphere around him.

It’s manageable to deafen the boos and heckles when in an away arena. However, when the Lakers fans turned on him, it took the joy out of the game. By no means did Russell Westbrook deserve the blame for the Purple and Gold falling short. He faced a time when both LeBron James and AD had their worst injury-riddled seasons. The style of play was farthest from what Brodie could flourish in.

Since then, though, the veteran hooper has managed to revive his career. Now, a Sixth Man, Westbrook is hoping to propel the Denver Nuggets back to a title. His explosive pace and playmaking acumen can be capitalized on well since they have capable shooters surrounding Russ. Do you think he can be the missing piece for the Nuggets? Let us know your views in the comments below.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.