Update 10/13/2022 11:56pm:
In light of the viral videos showing Russell Westbrook refusing to join multiple team huddles during last night's preseason contest, the former league MVP spoke with reporters on Thursday to clear up any speculation that he's distancing himself from the team.
“You can cut any video and make anything you want out of it. … I know I’m a genuine team player,” said the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles.
Original 10/13/2022 3:21pm:
Rumors are swirling about the dynamic at the Lakers after Russell Westbrook was seen standing out of a huddle that Patrick Beverley called during a preseason game against the Timberwolves on Wednesday (October 12) night. Beverley and Westbrook have a storied beef, which led to many people questioning how the two would interact after Beverley was traded to the Lakers this season.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Lonnie Walker IV all joined the huddle while Westbrook stood on the sidelines. Davis even walked over to Westbrook to get him to join the huddle, which broke up shortly after.
This comes after Beverley told ESPN's Dave McMenamin that Westbrook has been his "best friend" following his trade to the team during the Lakers' media day. Many were skeptical about Beverley's comments, and the recent interaction between him and Westbrook keeps the conversation going.
