Image Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Westbrook Reportedly was Tired of LeBron James’ ‘Fake’ Behavior During Lakers Tenure

Westbrook spent two years of his career at the Los Angeles Lakers.

Image Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Westbrook, considered as one of the best point guards in the history of the NBA, is set to make debut for the Sacramento Kings as he steps into the 18th season of his career in the league. A few years ago, Westbrook was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers following a one-year stint with the Washington Wizards. During his tenure with the Lakers, there was a rift between him and LeBron James, and while its details weren’t available earlier, NBA insider Yaron Weitzman’s new book has revealed the story.

In an excerpt from Weitzman’s new book, A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers, Westbrook reportedly didn’t like the star forward’s behavior and comments to the media at that time. Weitzman wrote that Will Smith met the Lakers in October 2022, when James had a long conversation with him, which didn’t sit well with Westbrook.

The excerpt read, “The same guy who was trying to leave is now quoting back movie lines and going through the guy’s whole life story,” one attendee recalled thinking. Seated in the third row, picking at a bowl of fruit, Westbrook watched in disbelief, shaking his head and rolling his eyes every time LeBron spoke.” “I hate that fake s***, Westbrook said to a teammate afterward, as the Lakers gathered for a team photo. I just can’t do it.”

Kyrie Irving’s Potential Trade Worsened Things Between Russell Westbrook and LeBron James

Things between Russell Westbrook and LeBron James reportedly worsened when the rumors of Kyrie Irving’s potential trade to the Lakers took over the social media. The 2017 MVP found out that James was forcing a reunion with his Cleveland Cavaliers teammate, even though it could have led to his trade.

“Because of the NBA’s salary-matching rules, the only way for the Lakers to acquire Irving would have been by dealing Westbrook. Westbrook knew this, and he knew that LeBron did as well. Meaning that no matter what LeBron said in public, the reality was clear: He was pushing for the Lakers to ship Westbrook out,” Weitzman wrote in his book.

Notably, James has been time and again caught lying countless times online. A few examples of it being him stating that “The Godfather” was his favorite movie. However, he failed to quote it, as well as predicting Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game. Not only this, but the 40-year-old has an image of creating trade scenarios for his teammates behind the door. Westbrook ended his stint with the Lakers at an average of 17.4 points, 7.2 assists and 6.9 rebounds in 130 games.

LeBron James

Russell Westbrook

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.