NBA world goes berserk as Lebron James and Russell Westbrook drag each other over Coach Ham’s…
LeBron James’ less-than-impressed reaction to Russell Westbrook after a speech got NBA fans talking across social media, following a recent Los Angeles Lakers win. Despite being without Anthony Davis, the Lakers have rallied together in recent weeks and racked up some important wins to make sure they do not fall too far adrift of the playoff spots, with the potential of missing the post-season for the second consecutive season looming large.
The Lakers were unable to make the requisite moves that they would have liked to after last year’s disappointment, but did fire former head coach Frank Vogel, who lead them to a championship in 2020.
With James, Davis and Westbrook all on max contracts, the Lakers have been cash-strapped for years now, leaving them in a tough position to improve their roster, whilst also being without high draft picks. And with the latter two struggling, with Davis’ injury issues continuing while Westbrook now is used in a role off the bench, it’s not too difficult to see why James may be frustrated.
NBA world goes berserk as Lebron James and Russell Westbrook drag each other over Coach Ham’s…
Now in his 20th season, aged 38, he knows he won’t have too many years left, and he won’t want to waste another year missing the playoffs. Whilst he continues to play at an elite level, his team-mates have been inconsistent, with James being quoted the other day as saying: “You know what needs to happen”.
A recent win over the Kings meant that they had won six of their last seven games, but still found themselves with the 12th seed and with work to do.
Speaking after the game, head coach Ham addressed the team, before James interjected and said: “Lets get greedy. Lets get real greedy, man.” The team were about to break it down, before Westbrook chimed in, as he said: “Just keep having fun, man. Win, lose or draw, be happy for the next man and keep having fun.”
It was a different message to what James was telling his teammates, with the NBA icon insisting they needed to focus on winning and each player making a difference, and he did not seem too impressed with Westbrook’s quotes.
LeBron James losing his cool suggests he may regret LA Lakers deal
And a number of NBA fans reacted in the same way. One said: “i’m crying cos lets get greedy and let’s just have fun in this context is like polar opposites, lebron’s look said it all.” Another said: “LeBron did not want to hear that one bit”.
The Lakers continue to be linked with a trade before next month’s deadline, but it remains to be seen if they are willing to part ways with Davis or Westbrook.
