LeBron James calls out Celtics commentator who accused him of scapegoating Russell Westbrook: "Took a trip all the way to Abu Dhabi"
Future Hall of Famer LeBron James wasn't happy with Boston Celtics commentator Drew Carter, who took a jab at the LA star on Friday. When Russell Westbrook checked into the game for the Denver Nuggets, making his first appearance with the team, NBA veteran-turned-color commentator Brian Scalabrine spoke about the season ahead for Westbrook and the Nuggets.
As he explained, he wants to see Westbrook do well this season, specifically in games where the Nuggets face off with the Lakers, because of how much of the blame regarding the Lakers' shortcomings was placed upon his shoulders.
Scalabrine's broadcasting partner Carter then weighed in, rhetorically asking whether one of LeBron James' teammates became a scapegoat out of nowhere. The comment caught James' attention, and he fired back in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Early Saturday morning, James reposted the viral clip of Carter, along with the caption:
"Took a trip all the way to Abu Dhabi to be on my.....Eat some breakfast first! Anyways Brodie a LEGEND"
So far, Westbrook hasn't spoken about the viral clip; however, the next time he speaks to the media, he could wind up fielding questions about Carter's comments.
What did LeBron James say about Russell Westbrook during their time together in LA?
LeBron James and Russell Westbrook spent a season and a half together on the LA Lakers. After Westbrook averaged a triple-double for the fourth time in his career during the 2020-21 season, he joined the LA Lakers that summer for the 2021-22 season.
The team struggled, largely due to injuries, and wound up missing the playoffs. After an unceremonious end to the season, James spoke about Westbrook's future with the team with media members:
When you're in a profession where so many injuries happen and so many things go on — to have a guy that's reliable and can put on a uniform every single night. That's something I respect out of everything.
"I'm not gonna sit here and make decisions for the front office and things of that nature. But I love being a teammate with Russ. And that's just the way it is."
The comment came after James had previously praised Westbrook during the regular season, making it clear that he wasn't going to criticize Westbrook or place blame on the former MVP for the team's struggles.
"You guys can write about Russ and all the things you guys want to try to talk about Russ, but I'm not up here to do that. I won't do it. I've said it over and over."
After 52 games during the 2022-23 season, the Lakers wound up trading Westbrook to the LA Clippers, where he spent a season and a half before then joining the Denver Nuggets for the 2024-25 season ahead.
In his debut game with Denver on Friday, Westbrook logged 12 points, eight assists and four rebounds in just over 18 minutes. At the same time, he also led the team in 3-point shots, knocking down three of his six attempts in the 107-103 loss.