Russell Westbrook provides context to viral movies displaying him distancing from teammates

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — After a number of movies went viral making it seem Russell Westbrook was deliberately distancing himself from teammates through the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, Westbrook provided context to debunk any indicators of discord.

In a single video, shot on a cellphone by Instagram consumer Michael Morales from a seat situated behind the Lakers’ bench, Westbrook is seen greeting teammates close to the foul line throughout participant introductions after which working to the bench alone, whereas the Lakers huddled up.

“Pregame, I have been doing that since I have been within the league for years, man,” Westbrook mentioned after follow Thursday. “I believe they only minimize the video and clearly the web goes to take it and run with no matter they should run with. However, I have been doing the identical ritual since I have been within the league.”

Westbrook’s spouse, Nina, responded to a Twitter consumer who confirmed a number of photographs and movies of Westbrook certainly following the identical solo pregame ritual on different groups he has performed for by writing, “Smh… and it begins…”

One other video, clipped from the ESPN telecast and shared extensively on Twitter, confirmed Patrick Beverley gathering his teammates for an on-court huddle following a foul by Westbrook early on within the third quarter and Westbrook lining up in rebounding place outdoors the lane to await the Wolves’ free throw makes an attempt, slightly than take part.

Nevertheless one other video angle from the identical sequence from the Spectrum SportsNet broadcast of the sport, provides a broader view of the chain of occasions that preceded Beverley beckoning him to affix in.

First, Westbrook engaged in a dialogue with the referee that made the decision after which he turned his consideration to the Lakers’ bench to debate the defensive possession with L.A.’s teaching workers. Beverley by no means caught his consideration.

“So far as the opposite video, I used to be really speaking to the coaches and so they minimize that video in half as effectively,” Westbrook mentioned. “I used to be speaking to the coaches a few missed protection. So, I do not pay no thoughts to it, man.

“Truthfully I am simply attempting to compete and do my job. Every little thing, movies, get nitpicked. You possibly can minimize any video and make something you need out of it. It is lower than me to have the ability to decide that. I do know I am a real crew participant. I’ve by no means had an issue being with my teammates so I’ll proceed doing what I have been doing.”

Beverley advised reporters on Thursday that he was unaware the video of the tried huddle existed till he was requested about it after follow.

“If I do not know one thing occurred, then I can not actually tackle one thing that I do not know occurred,” Beverley mentioned.

Westbrook has been a goal of annoyed Lakers followers ever for the reason that crew acquired in a commerce with the Washington Wizards in the summertime of 2021, as L.A. missed the playoffs final season along with his uneven play including to a complete host of crew struggles that included pervasive accidents and underwhelming position participant contributions.

Regardless of the troublesome marketing campaign, Westbrook opted into the ultimate yr of his contract to remain in L.A. and new coach Darvin Ham has vowed to get extra out of the previous league MVP this season.

Whereas Westbrook expressed dismay with how followers had began to mock his household title by referring to him as “West-brick” final season, the 13-year veteran mentioned Thursday that the scrutiny he faces as a member of the Lakers would not differ from the highlight he is been below in different spots since getting into the NBA.

“That is been the identical for me, actually man, via my profession,” Westbrook mentioned. “I am very used to it. And I am very accustomed to it. That is why I’ve simply been blessed and grateful to have the ability to proceed to play every year and preserve my head down and proceed competing. And no matter comes with the additional stuff, comes with it. It is lower than me to have the ability to make movies and issues for the web. I simply exit and do my job.”