Fans of both the Lakers and nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook would likely prefer to forget the tumultuous the pair endured from 2021 to 2023. However, a new book about LeBron James’ time with the Purple and Gold has brought those memories—and an unexpected interaction—back to the surface.
Russell Westbrook, Lakers Drama Gets New Light in Book Excerpt
Excerpt From “A Hollywood Ending”
In his forthcoming book “A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers,” NBA journalist Yaron Weitzman touched on the summer of 2022. The period came after the Lakers acquired Westbrook from the Wizards and, following a season filled with tribulations, emerged with a 33-49 record.
An excerpt of Weitzman’s book was published Monday in The Ringer, detailing how the friendship between Westbrook and James deteriorated over the course of the regular season and into the summer. James hardly supported Westbrook in private despite public calls to, “Let Russ be Russ.” Trade rumors that claimed the Lakers could swap Westbrook for Kyrie Irving only fanned the flames.
Will Smith’s Role in the Lakers-Westbrook Drama
But perhaps the proverbial nail in the coffin was an August 2022 visit from music and film star Will Smith. Moments before Smith entered the Lakers’ film room, Westbrook argued with ex-Lakers guard Patrick Beverley after James and Davis left through a back door.
After Smith’s talk with the team, James peppered him with questions, causing Westbrook to complain about LeBron’s behavior to a teammate.
“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 shit, Westbrook said to a teammate afterward, as the Lakers gathered for a team photo. I just can’t do it.”
Differing Journeys Post-Trade
The tense atmosphere between James, Westbrook and the Lakers clouded the organization until the team traded Westbrook in February 2023. While the Lakers went on to make the 2023 Western Conference Finals and sustain consecutive first-round exits (and acquire Luka Doncic in a franchise-altering trade), Westbrook—to his credit—has remained a solid contributor and consummate professional on the rest of his NBA journey. After joining the Clippers off of waivers and signing with the Nuggets last summer, Russ enters year 18 with the Lakers’ division rival, the Sacramento Kings.
Beverley Defends Westbrook
Beverley recently went to bat for Westbrook on “The Pat Bev Pod,” highlighting how he “got a bad take” because of the Lakers and calling him “the best teammate I [will] ever have.”
“Ever since Russ left the Lakers, bro, he’s been on a minimum, bro. We’ve never seen this ever. We’ve never seen a player who’s been the MVP, who’s impacted the game—who they call him names and tell him that he can’t shoot. Go to the playoffs, shoot 40 with the Clippers the very next year. Take a less demeaning role with the Lakers. Take a less demeaning role with the Clippers. He’s been a sixth man ever since he’s left the Lakers.”
There’s no denying that the Lakers’ experiment with Westbrook significantly affected the trajectories of both sides. However, it’s clear they’ve each moved on and found success in different ways.
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