"Welp, Westbrook for sure getting traded now", "You just never learn, do you?" - Fans react strongly to LeBron James voicing his support for heavily criticized teammate

LA Lakers superstar LeBron James recently put out a tweet in support of underfire teammate Russell Westbrook. The four-time champion said he is hoping for Westbrook to "go off" in the upcoming season.

After struggling to adjust to the roster last season, Westbrook is in need of a strong comeback season. He is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, with his poor shooting and turnovers a real cause for concern.

As such, James' message, which was in response to a tweet that called for Westbrook not to be disrespected, could do his confidence a world of good.

"Can't wait for him to go off this season!!" James wrote.

@CuffsTheLegend Can't wait for him to go off this season!! 🤫

Fans took to Twitter to voice their opinions on James' show of support. Most were of the opinion that James' tweet could spell the end of Westbrook's time in LA.

"whenever Bron says something good about a player 98% of the time they usually get traded," one fan wrote.

@KingJames @CuffsTheLegend whenever Bron says something good about a player 98% of the time they usually get traded

Welp. Westbrook for sure getting traded now. twitter.com/kingjames/stat… https://t.co/jAEYp5nn9Z

Whole league laughing twitter.com/kingjames/stat… https://t.co/VHETiN3J4Y

You just never learn, do you? twitter.com/KingJames/stat… https://t.co/z02xgAtQkp

"Translation: Can’t wait for him to go off next season ON ANOTHER TEAM," one fan wrote.

@KingJames @CuffsTheLegend Translation: Can’t wait for him to go off next season ON ANOTHER TEAM 😂

@KingJames @CuffsTheLegend I like your confidence King, but we know that ain’t happenin 😂

Be serious Bron 😩😔. I hope he goes go off on another team not named the Lakers twitter.com/kingjames/stat…

@KingJames @CuffsTheLegend I also can't wait for him to go off this season in a Pacers uniform 🙌

"lol, and there goes the season just like last years tweet 'you keep talkin about me and my squad...'" another fan wrote.

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@KingJames @CuffsTheLegend lol, and there goes the season just like last years tweet "you keep talkin about me and my squad..."

NOOOOOOOOOOO STOP THIS NIGHTMARE twitter.com/kingjames/stat… https://t.co/a98V7416N7

Pumping up that trade value twitter.com/KingJames/stat… https://t.co/ZOdDpTNxIA

"LeGM says go off but he really means "go off" to another team. Can't wait for russ to be out by the end of the week," one fan said.

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@KingJames @CuffsTheLegend LeGM says go off but he really means "go off" to another team. Cant wait for russ to be out by the end of the week

Note he doesn't say where twitter.com/kingjames/stat… https://t.co/NFbXM7lE5K

@KingJames @CuffsTheLegend Everybody gotta buy in and we good

Russ and Pat Bev backcourt will be peak entertainment

https://t.co/w5R9TcAvbu twitter.com/kingjames/stat…

Lakers nation in shambles lmfao twitter.com/kingjames/stat…

Why did it not work between LeBron James and Russell Westbrook last season?

During the 2021-22 NBA season, the LA Lakers looked lethargic and lacked chemistry as doubts grew over Russell Westbrook's role alongside LeBron James. Westbrook is a ball-dominant player, and with LeBron already dominating possession, they struggled to gel.

Westbrook's defensive liabilities were on full display as well as the Lakers failed to make the play-in tournament.

But with Anthony Davis returning to full fitness, coupled with the addition of Patrick Beverley, LA's defensive concerns should be alleviated next season.

If the Lakers are to be a legitimate contender next season, a lot of things need to go their way. The return of Davis and the trade for Beverley are just parts of the puzzle. For starters, Westbrook will need to decrease his turnover ratio and improve his shooting. If he can address these two issues in particular, the Lakers might just stand a chance after all.