LA Clippers' Russell Westbrook on Dallas Mavs' Kyrie Irving: 'I Respect Him For Everything He Stands For'
DALLAS — After the Dallas Mavericks' loss against the Los Angeles Clippers, there was a share of respect from two of the NBA's most popular superstars: Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving.
After Irving finished with 26 points, six rebounds, and three assists in Saturday's game, Westbrook was asked about their shared connection. Westbrook, who totaled 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, shared his respect for Irving and mentioned the two have grown closer after spending time together in summertime workouts in Los Angeles.
"It's a little better this year. He actually worked out a couple of times in the summertime," Westbrook said of Irving. Just hearing his perspective and how he goes about his life is always interesting. And I respect him for everything that he stands for and stands on, especially his family and other things.
"And obviously, he's a great basketball player, and the amount of great things in the league," Westbrook explained. "Mutual respect and I'm always thankful for him supporting me through everything since I've been in the league."
Irving was asked about Westbrook's comment, describing his reaction as being "grateful" for receiving that level of respect from his peers. He highlighted how that connection has grown through experiences such as Team USA camps and battling in playoff series, but mainly through time off the floor.
"I'm grateful that I have that respect, but I think it started off the court with a lot of those guys and a lot of my peers," Irving said. "If you look at even just this team right here, Kawhi is my draft class. PG is a few years ahead. I've been playing these guys for a long time now. We've had team USA camps together. We've had [playoff] series against each other.
"I've been teammates with a few of the guys, and I don't you can see that we have less time playing than we do more some of us," Irving explained. "And the times that we get do get to compete against each other, we relish in it, but off the court, we see each other in the summertime, always wishing well for their families, always praying for them, so I appreciate the respect, and it goes both ways."
Irving and Westbrook are later in their NBA careers, seeking to compete for a championship. With how the landscape of the Western Conference has continued to develop, it'll be a tough achievement for whichever team pulls it off.
Irving focuses on getting it done alongside Luka Doncic, while the Clippers are adjusting to adding James Harden and already having superstar wings, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
