For much of the offseason, the NBA world was left wondering what happened to Russell Westbrook. The former MVP remained unsigned deep into the summer. That silence finally broke when the 36-year-old guard agreed to a one-year deal worth just over $3.6 million with the Sacramento Kings.
While his signing made headlines, it’s what happened after the Kings’ final preseason game that’s making even more noise across the internet.
What Postgame Moment of Russell Westbrook Is Going Viral?
Sacramento’s last preseason matchup was against the Los Angeles Lakers, and a postgame moment featuring Westbrook went viral. As the Kings celebrated their first preseason win, a group of young fans gathered courtside. They all stood holding up jerseys of the various teams Westbrook had played for over his career.
The veteran guard approached the group and began signing autographs. He signed every single one except the Lakers jersey. That brief yet powerful moment was caught on video and spread like wildfire online. Fans immediately began debating Westbrook’s decision.
However, before rushing to judgment, it’s worth noting that Westbrook later made it up to the young fan by gifting him a signed item, just not the Lakers jersey.
Still, refusing to sign that particular jersey spoke volumes. For many, it symbolized closure on one of the most difficult chapters of his career.
Westbrook’s time in Los Angeles was nothing short of turbulent. Once viewed as one of the most feared and electrifying guards in basketball, his reputation took a hit during his Lakers stint.
Across 130 games, he averaged 17.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game while shooting 43.4% from the field and just 29.7% from deep. His inconsistent shooting and high turnover rate drew sharp criticism, and the situation turned ugly when he and his family reportedly received death threats from angry fans.
After being traded to the Clippers, Westbrook admitted feeling more comfortable and respected. However, his production continued to dip statistically. A brief stop in Denver followed, and now he’s looking to reset his career yet again. This time in Sacramento.
The irony in all this? The Kings lost their first three preseason games but managed to clinch their first win against none other than the Lakers (117-116), which is the very team tied to Westbrook’s most challenging years. And he was right there on the court, soaking it all in.
As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on how Westbrook performs in purple and silver. One thing is for certain: even at 36, Westbrook still knows how to make the NBA world talk.
