The Los Angeles Lakers are one team who are expected to make a move during the trade deadline. Notably, fans have been behind offloading $47 million Russell Westbrook and bringing in another star at guard. However, up until now, coach Darwin Ham has backed up the former MVP of the league. But that might not be the case after their boiling exchange in the locker room at halftime.
On a night LeBron James achieved history, the Los Angeles Lakers fell apart. Going up against the 13-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, this was the golden chance to get back to winning ways. However, OKC came into the crypto.com arena to shock the hosts. On a night of celebrations, they beat the Lakers, 130-133 to further dig a hole into their season. What’s worse is the tensions in the locker room rose as well.
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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) celebrates after breaking the record for all-time scoring in the NBA during the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
According to reports, Darwin Ham and Westbrook bickered in the locker room after the coach was displeased with his antics after getting subbed off.
Is Russell Westbrook’s time with LeBron James and the Lakers over?
Close to the end of the second quarter, Brodie was subbed off by Ham. However, instead o taking his seat, the nine-time All-Star remained on the playing floor. Notably, he was in no rush to come off with just a minute left in the second quarter. While nothing was said at the moment, the fireworks exploded in the locker room. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the pair had a heated exchange regarding Westbrook’s behavior.
Likewise, NBA Twitter feels this feud could be the final straw for a Westbrook trade.
Oh god it’s happening
— MT Plug/badge/myteam grinder (@mtplug_grinder) February 8, 2023
Westbrook should just retire at this point man this is getting sad
— fan account (@Asensii20) February 8, 2023
LeBron showing Jeanie Buss the footage of Westbrook yelling at Ham: pic.twitter.com/7xcsnf1Nug
— Carlton Banks’ Burner (@cbanksburner) February 8, 2023
Westbrick is being traded pic.twitter.com/zDG9toWCWx
— 23 (@generalteezi) February 8, 2023
Westbrook really got in a heated exchange with the ONLY guy in his corner https://t.co/BEf7AQ1CbN pic.twitter.com/2aa4ScIOHk
— Holtmann to Siberia (@JRAMNOTTHAGOAT) February 8, 2023
pelinka leaking this https://t.co/ckeRD4gBy6 pic.twitter.com/OK3EsAhhHI
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) February 8, 2023
However, after the game, the two seemed to have made up. Notably, reports also suggest the two embraced after the loss. In addition. Russell Westbrook arguably played his heart out in the three-point loss to his former franchise. The 2017 MVP finished the night with 27 points and 8 assists leading the team behind LeBron James. He also scored a season-high 14 fourth-quarter points nearly bringing the Lakers back into the game.
While trade rumors continue to fly around, it seems unlikely the Purple and Gold will make a move. After Kyrie Irving went off the market, the organization might not be willing to move their first-round picks for anyone else. Likewise, Russell Westbrook may finish this season as a Laker.
Having emerged as a Sixth Man, do you think Westbrook is still the problem for the 2020 champions? Let us know your views in the comments below.
