Watch: Kyrie Irving has a wholesome moment with Russell Westbrook before LA Lakers vs Brooklyn Nets

Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook are, deservedly or not, two of the most criticized, if not ridiculed, players in the NBA. Over the past few years, they’ve been fairly or unfairly taken a ton of vitriol, even from non-basketball fans.

The two point guards were set to face each other in tonight’s game between the LA Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets. Without LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant due to injuries, Irving and Westbrook were the biggest stars to grace the court.

“Russ” and “Kai” had an interesting and heartwarming back-and-forth a few hours before the game started. Irving opened the conversation with:

“I knew greatness would be out here early!”

“I knew greatness would be out here early” 🗣️

Kyrie shows love to Russ pregame. 💯 https://t.co/Sd80LcjWmL

Russell Westbrook was already working up a sweat while working on his oft-maligned jump shots. Kyrie Irving may have just arrived at Barclays Center as he was still wearing pants.

Westbrook responded:

“Somebody gotta do it.”

Irving:

“Some people show up right on time. Does it go unnoticed? Do people appreciate it?”

Westbrook:

“No”

Irving:

“But we understand.”

Westbrook:

“For sure. Yessir!”

Russell Westbrook tried to carry the LA Lakers on the road but just didn’t have enough support. He finished with 17 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. The former MVP showed why he’s considered by many to be the favorite to win the Sixth Man of the Year award.

Kyrie Irving, on the other hand, didn’t need to do as much for the Brooklyn Nets. “Uncle Drew” ended the night with 26 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Irving’s backcourt mates, however, showed up to help the newly-named NBA All-Star starter.

Patty Mills and Cam Thomas each had 21 points, making key shots to help Irving carry the Nets to victory. Brooklyn’s victory raises their record to 31-19 and, more importantly, keep themselves afloat while waiting for Kevin Durant to return from injury.

After yet another loss, the LA Lakers dropped to 23-28 but remained in 13th place in the Western Conference. They’re only 2.5 games behind the Utah Jazz, but will have to start stringing wins together to at least make the play-in.

Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook have nicely recovered from their tumultuous early-season starts

Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook have reminded basketall bans of their value after troubled starts into the season. [photo: Forbes]

Kyrie Irving's uncertain offseason, where he didn’t get the desired max contract extension from the Brooklyn Nets, continued when the season opened. He was indefinitely suspended by the Nets for posting an allegedly anti-Semitic link on his social media accounts.

Since returning from an eight-game suspension, Irving’s been back to his old, deadly self. He is averaging 27.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Irving has just been voted as an All-Star starter.

Kyrie Irving reacts to making his 8th All-Star game:

"I'm just grateful for the people at home. I would not be here without y'all. Y'all voted me in. I'm ready to give a show" https://t.co/SnmQNLuxZr

“Uncle Drew” may even, improbably, get the max extension he has been looking for when all is said and done.

The favorite to win Sixth Man of the Year right now @FDSportsbook?

Russell Westbrook. +160 👏 https://t.co/FImbWcdG6t

Russell Westbrook, on the other hand, turned his season around by accepting and adapting his game as the Lakers’ first man off the bench. He has had more impact this season than last and is considered the betting favorite to win the Sixth Man Award.