Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently defended former teammate Russell Westbrook after some unflattering comments were made by NBC Sports Boston broadcasters during Westbrook’s debut with the Denver Nuggets. The remarks came during the game against the Boston Celtics on October 4, when the commentators suggested that Westbrook had become a scapegoat during his tenure with the Lakers.

A Response to Dismissive Comments

The conversation took a turn when one broadcaster remarked, “You’re telling me one of LeBron’s teammates became a scapegoat out of nowhere?” This quip was made in the context of Westbrook’s tumultuous time with the Lakers, where he faced heavy criticism and blame for the team’s struggles. In response to these disparaging comments, LeBron took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his discontent, stating, “Took a trip all the way to Abu Dhabi to be on my….. Eat some breakfast first! Anyways, Brodie a LEGEND,” accompanying his post with a clip of the commentary.

Westbrook’s time with the Lakers was marked by challenges, including a lack of synergy with LeBron and fellow All-Star Anthony Davis. Despite his previous accolades, Westbrook’s performance faltered, shooting just 29.8% from beyond the arc. This poor shooting percentage contributed to the Lakers’ inability to make the playoffs during his tenure, particularly as both LeBron and Davis dealt with injuries.

Moving On and Finding Success

The Lakers ultimately traded Westbrook in a midseason deal in 2023, parting with their 2027 first-round pick. This trade proved pivotal, helping the team regain momentum and reach the Western Conference Finals, although they were swept by the Nuggets. Westbrook made his debut with the Nuggets, contributing 12 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds off the bench, showing glimpses of the player he once was. In his new environment, he praised Nuggets coach Michael Malone for allowing him to play to his strengths.

Despite the positive debut, Westbrook had previously commented on his experience with the Lakers, hinting at a lack of support for his unique skill set. He stated, “To be honest, (my skill-set) was unique, they just didn’t put me in position to be unique.” His remarks, coupled with the broadcasters’ comments, reflect a complex narrative surrounding Westbrook’s time with the Lakers.

LeBron Clarifies His Motivations

In addition to his defense of Westbrook, LeBron recently addressed an ESPN report suggesting that part of his decision to join the Lakers in 2018 was influenced by the organization’s treatment of Kobe Bryant during his final years. LeBron denied this claim, asserting, “I came to the Lakers cause I wanted to help Jeanie [Buss] win championships, bring that spark back to the Lakers, and see my family blossom in SoCal.” His response underscores his commitment to the franchise and the desire to create his own legacy rather than be influenced by the past.

As LeBron prepares to enter his 20th NBA season at the age of 40, he remains a pivotal figure in the league and for the Lakers. With a new two-year, $104 million contract, including a player option for 2025-26 and a no-trade clause, he continues to strive for excellence, determined to help the Lakers reclaim their status as championship contenders.

In this ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, the dynamics between players, past and present, continue to shape the narratives of franchises. LeBron’s passionate defense of Westbrook highlights the camaraderie that exists among players, even as they transition to new teams and roles.