LA Lakers News Roundup: Russell Westbrook responds to viral videos showing his disinterest to be with teammates, Paul George offers support for former teammate, and more | October 14, 2022
Russell Westbrook recently dismissed criticism that questioned his interest in being part of the LA Lakers. He asserted that the video clips, which were used to criticize him, were cut and didn’t tell the whole story.
Paul George, Westbrook’s former teammate at OKC Thunder, offered big-time support to the under-scrutiny point guard. George reminded the Lakers star that he’s still one of the best.
After the huddle video went viral, Patrick Beverley insisted that all was well in the LA Lakers’ camp between the two point guards. The video showed Beverley urging Westbrook to join an impromptu huddle in which Russ was seemingly disinterested.
Russell Westbrook scoffed at the viral videos of his seeming disinterest to be with LA Lakers teammates
Russell Westbrook couldn’t shake off the criticism and speculation regarding the two video clips on social media. In the two videos, Westbrook was seen giving his teammates the cold shoulder. The former MVP addressed the incident in an interview (via Melissa Rohlin):
“It’s really weird. Pregame, I’ve been doing that since I’ve been in the league for years. They just cut the video and obviously, the internet is gonna take it and run with whatever they need to run with. But I’ve been doing the same ritual since I’ve been in the league.
“As far as the other video, I was actually talking to the coaches and they cut that video in half as well. I was talking to the coaches about a missed coverage. So, I don’t pay no mind to it. Honestly, I’m just trying to go out and compete and do my job."
He added:
"I’ve seen those videos. Y’all can cut anything y’all want and make anything y’all want out of it. It’s not up to me to judge that. I know I’m a genuine team player. I’ve never had a problem being with my teammates and I’ll continue to do what I’ve been doing.”
Russell Westbrook on all the huddle speculation: https://t.co/kx4cd50pPB
Westbrook and the LA Lakers will be under the microscope all of next season. They’ll be under more pressure this season, particularly after last season’s embarrassing campaign.
Paul George has former teammate’s back
The season hasn’t even started, and yet Russell Westbrook is in the headlines again. However, the LA Clippers' Paul George tweeted his support for his former OKC Thunder teammate:
“Keep ya sanity Brodie!! You one of the best and it ain’t stamped enough!!
PG showing his support for former teammate Russell Westbrook 🤝 https://t.co/nDE6Xgrz10
The circus surrounding Russell Westbrook’s tenure with the LA Lakers has indeed been crazy. Westbrook has already received a ton of flak for last season’s debacle, and it shows no signs of slowing down. With trade rumors endlessly hounding him, social media finds every available opportunity to present why the Lakers should move him.
Westbrook and Paul George, who were teammates with the Thunder for two years, developed a close bond during that period. Both the players are from California too, and dreamed of one day playing in LA.
While the rivalry between the two LA teams is well documented, Paul George is rooting for his former teammate to succeed.
Patrick Beverley confirms everything is fine between him and Russell Westbrook
Patrick Beverley and Russell Westbrook have been in the spotlight ever since Beverley was traded to the Lakers. From fierce rivals, they became teammates.
The recent video clip might have raised doubts about their chemistry, but Beverley dismissed the rumors:
"Everything’s great. I sit on the plane, he’s right next to me. We get on the road, we hang out together."
Patrick Beverley said he was not aware of the video of Russ in his third-quarter huddle. He said of his and Russ' relationship: "Everything’s great. I sit on the plane, he’s right next to me. We get on the road, we hang out together."
The chemistry and dynamic between the two guards will be put to the test this season. The Lakers' opening two weeks could prove to be an acid test for the two players.
Hopefully, for the LA Lakers, the pair can hold their act together to help the team’s championship aspirations.