LeBron James Sends Clear Message About Russell Westbrook Amid Scrutiny

The Lakers forward continues to support his embattled point guard.
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After a rough first season with the Lakers in which he struggled to mesh offensively with LeBron James and others, Russell Westbrook has been the target of increased scrutiny this offseason as fans have called for him to be traded.

Westbrook is entering the final year of his five-year, $206 million contract that he signed with the Thunder back in 2018. Since signing that contract, Westbrook has played for the Rockets, Wizards and now, the Lakers, where he will be due over $47 million this season.

His large contract makes him a difficult trade piece given his on-court struggles relative to what he’s owed. As such, it appears that Westbrook is primed to run it back with the Lakers for a second season as the league’s offseason nears a close.

Westbrook’s good friend in James has come to his defense in the past, and has continued to do so this offseason. James responded to a tweet about Westbrook that was posted on Thursday morning and said, “Can’t wait for him to go off this season!!”

All eyes will be on Westbrook and his production early in the season, especially since the Lakers agreed to acquire guard Patrick Beverley from the Utah Jazz late Wednesday night. 

Could Beverley replace Westbrook in the starting lineup? Would Westbrook be willing to come off the bench?

These are all questions that new Lakers coach Darvin Ham will have to answer, but for now, it’s clear that Westbrook still has a believer in James.

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Mike McDaniel
MIKE MCDANIEL

Mike McDaniel is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated, where he has worked since January 2022. His work has been featured at InsideTheACC.com, SB Nation, FanSided and more. McDaniel hosts the Hokie Hangover Podcast, covering Virginia Tech athletics, as well as Basketball Conference: The ACC Football Podcast. Outside of work, he is a husband and father, and an avid golfer.