The Los Angeles Lakers’ Russell Westbrook was once again the talk of social media. This time, it’s because of a viral video that shows Westbrook blowing off Lakers’ huddle during a recent preseason loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The video shows Patrick Beverley gathering the Lakers for a huddle after Westbrook’s foul and Westbrook seemingly not wanting any part of that.
Many interpreted this as another sign of Westbrook’s disconnect from the famed franchise, but it appears that the clip doesn’t reveal the whole story.
“I was actually talking to the coaches, and they cut that video in half as well,” Westbrook told reporters on Friday when asked about it. “I was talking to the coaches about a missed coverage. So, I don’t pay no mind to it, man. “
A follow-up clip, which shows the situation from another angle, confirms that Westbrook was unaware of the huddle.
“Honestly I’m just trying to compete and do my job, “Westbrook added. “Everything, videos, get nitpicked. You can cut any video and make anything you want out of it. “
The Los Angeles Lakers had a disastrous campaign in 2021-22, missing on the playoffs despite having Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis on their roster. Many fans and analysts pinned the Lakers’ struggles on Westbrook, arguing that he is a bad fit for the team and declining as a player. The Lakers attempted to trade the 33-year-old earlier this offseason but failed to find a trade partner.
