The Los Angeles Lakers disrespected Russell Westbrook for nearly two seasons in the eyes of many.
Westbrook was tangled up in multiple trade rumors since arriving in Southern California, but he remained professional and tried to do his best, even embracing a different role off the bench.
But things didn’t end well between both parties.
LeBron James publically pushed for a Kyrie Irving trade, which obviously didn’t sit well with the former MVP.
So, it’s safe to say that there was some extra motivation for Westbrook to spoil the Los Angeles Lakers’ great moment with a big win on Wednesday night.
Ironically, the Lakers actually targeted Westbrook and wanted him to take as many shots as possible, but that game plan backfired big time when the UCLA product kept making them pay.
Lakers’ Anthony Davis on facing Russell Westbrook: “Our game plan was for them to shoot the ball, and he made them. He made the shots, and that snowballed down to everybody else.” pic.twitter.com/3CLd0h6Yuj
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) April 6, 2023
Anthony Davis admitted that the Lakers wanted Westbrook to shoot, which led to some interesting comments on social media:
— Tachyon (@Bigzobzob) April 6, 2023
How’d that work Day-To-Davis?
— depressed rockets fan (@HRocketsCenter) April 6, 2023
He cooked the Lakers tho 😭
— Dead President Picks (@DeadPresPicks) April 6, 2023
And of course he turned into Steph tn it’s against us
— 優木せつ菜 🇦🇷 (@nijigasakilove) April 6, 2023
Westbrook a better shooter than you 😭😭
— jay (42-38💦☔️) (@OwnedbyJayBoog_) April 6, 2023
Westbrook scored 14 points on 50% shooting, but his impact went way beyond the stat line.
His energy was contagious, and the rest of his teammates matched his intensity, and it was evident that it meant more for Tyronn Lue’s team to make a statement.
The Clippers have now taken 11 straight games from the purple and gold.
Los Angeles will forever be a Lakers town, but they just can’t seem to get the best out of their neighbors.
NEXT:
LeBron James Reacts To Lakers’ Crushing Loss To Clippers
