The 2021-22 NBA season has been full of surprises. With the Los Angeles Lakers playing way below expectation, fans finally had something to rejoice, when their team defeated Rudy Gobert and his team Utah Jazz 101-95 in their most recent encounter. But regardless of this victory, the Lakers still have a long way to go if they are to contend for the championship, and much of this concern lies on Russell Westbrook.

Westbrook had a poor shooting game against the Jazz, putting up 15 points off 33.33% shooting. But he still put on a show for those in attendance, with a massive poster on Rudy Gobert.

The win for the Lakers allowed them to reach the 0.500 mark and take 8th seed in the conference standings. The Jazz, however, are in a healthier 4th position in the Western Conference with a record of 29-15.

Gobert would go on to finish the game strong for the Jazz with 19 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 blocks – very impressive numbers to say the least. But it was still Westbrook’s dunk that stole the show.

Gobert said, “It was a nice dunk. I felt I couldn’t jump because his arm was on my shoulder, but they’re not going to call that.” He added, “I don’t think he said anything to me. He’s a guy who likes to talk to himself.”

The comment by Gobert was similar to what Damian Lillard recently said on Westbrook. Lillard went on to mention that Westbrook, unlike other players, talks trash to fire himself up.

WATCH THIS STORY: LeBron James Leaving Cavs For Miami Heat, Kevin Durant Ditching OKC For Golden State and Other Trades that Shook the NBA

Both Gobert and Lillard are of the belief that Westbrook talks to himself while on-court. However, unlike Gobert, Lillard, and Westbrook, share a professional beef.

The Lillard-Russell Westbrook Beef

Prior to Lillard’s comments regarding Westbrook talking to himself, the Portland Trail Blazers Point Guard admitted to Westbrook being his ‘arch-nemesis.’ The two stars have had several battles over the years, however, the most significant one was won by Lillard where he made a near half-court shot at the buzzer to eliminate the Oklahoma City Thunder from the playoffs.

But Westbrook has something that Lillard doesn’t – a finals appearance, and an MVP award.

Here’s a look at the Head-To-Head statistics between the two

As time goes by, the two-point guards will definitely clash once again with a potential matchup arriving in the play-in tournament considering both teams hold on to their current standings.

READ MORE: Rudy Gobert Fires Indirect Shots at Donovan Mitchell Amidst Heat and Knicks Rumors

What also matters is the players’ health. Both the Lakers and the Trailblazers will need their guards to be healthy for a deep playoff run or a potential championship to be possible.