Over the years, the NBA has had quite some redemption arcs, but seldom have players come back from intense criticism in the course of a season. The Los Angeles Clippers star Russell Westbrook has done just that with his valiant efforts in the playoffs. It was a drastically different Westbrook than the one donning the purple and gold jersey. However, his recent comments on his stint with the Lakers have left the NBA fandom divided, as some fans are refusing to acknowledge his exhilarating playoff performances against the Phoenix Suns.

Russell Westbrook had an incredibly tough time on the other side of LA, where he was called mean names for being an inefficient teammate to LeBron James and Co. Fast forward to the postseason, his recent performances have still failed to turn some haters into fans, especially after his comments on his Lakers stint.

Russell Westbrook comments on his time with the Lakers

At the start of the season, the Los Angeles Lakers were looking at an early vacation, as they had one of the worst starts to their season. A team equipped with LeBron James and the 2017 NBA MVP wasn’t used to facing days like that.

Moreover, Russell Westbrook’s performances were undeniably sub-par at the time, which increased the frustration of the Lakers fandom. However, before the trade deadline day, the Lakers decided to trade Westbrook to the Utah Jazz. Subsequently, there were reports from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that claimed how one source expressed relief after the removal of the ‘vampire’ from the Lakers squad. These were extremely heinous remarks that upset almost everyone in the NBA community.

Fast forward to April, Westbrook has managed to prove to the world that he is still the player that he once was, by being the best performer for the Clippers in the playoffs. However, among the numerous praises, his recent performances have failed to make a dent for some Lakers fans, especially after his recent comments on the purple and gold.

?Once I got traded. Immediately, to be honest. From that moment, mentally, I was in a better place,” said Westbrook.

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Although his comments don’t necessarily target anyone from the Lakers, some of their fans have taken offense to Westbrook’s mere expression.

Fans react to Westbrook’s recent comments on the Lakers?

Following the 2017 NBA MVP’s comments, the NBA fandom has been essentially divided into two. While one side has been acknowledging Russ’s feelings, others have dissed the 34-year-old, comparing his recent teams’ fortunes to his former one. Here are some reactions:

Some fans were sarcastic in their responses, mentioning how the Lakers were also better off without Westbrook. The Lakers are on the verge of qualifying for round 2, while the Clippers have been eliminated.

Others were happy for the 10-time All-Star and noted the immaturity of the Lakers fandom for trolling Westbrook for seemingly nothing.

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What do you think about Russ’s comments? Let us know in the comments below!