The Lakers already seem to have chemistry points with Russell Westbrook.
Throughout a 118-113 preseason loss to the Timberwolves on Wednesday, NBA Twitter was fast to name out pink flags with Westbrook and his teammates on various events.
The Lakers level guard appeared to skip out on a workforce huddle previous to the exhibition recreation at Crypto.com Area, earlier than seemingly ignoring Patrick Beverley within the third quarter.
Previous to the beginning of the sport, Westbrook was seen by the bench wiping his face with a towel earlier than strolling onto the courtroom, whereas the remainder of the workforce huddled by the free throw line, high-fiving of their warmups.
One other awkward second occurred within the second half between Westbrook and Beverley with the Lakers down 5 factors.
After a foul on Westbrook, Beverley was seen rallying his teammates collectively, together with the guard, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Lonnie Walker IV. Westbrook, nevertheless, stored his distance on the courtroom and solely appeared to affix the group after Davis pulled him over.
The second was analyzed by critics on Twitter as Westbrook and Beverley have a historical past of unhealthy blood. The gamers apparently squashed their beef when the Lakers acquired Beverley in August.
In the course of the Lakers’ media day final month, Beverley stated that Westbrook has been his “finest good friend” since he was traded to the workforce.
Jake Paul even weighed in on the scenario, tweeting that the Lakers “want to drag the plug and commerce Russell Westbrook for his or her sake and for The Brodie’s sake.
“He’s a star and wishes his personal workforce. Lakers want much less stars and extra Pat Bev’s,” Paul tweeted.
Different movies all through Wednesday’s exhibition recreation present Westbrook all smiles whereas partaking with James and different teammates — nonetheless, NBA Twitter was relentless about Westbrook’s match with Los Angeles.
Westbrook has been a goal of criticism following summer-long commerce rumors that stemmed from his poor efficiency final season.
Beverley’s arrival additionally raised questions on Westbrook’s function within the backcourt. The Lakers additionally signed Dennis Schröder, which added to curiosity about how coach Darvin Ham will deal with rotations.
The Lakers open their common season Oct. 18 towards the Warriors.
Post a Comment