Russell Westbrook has been one of the best players of this generation and is undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer. Despite failing to win a single championship, Westbrook is regarded as one of the best point guards in the league’s history.
After a brief one-year stint with the Washington Wizards, Westbrook made a sensational move to the Los Angeles Lakers. Rob Pelinka and Co. traded for Westbrook and sent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and the draft rights to Isaiah Jackson to Wizards.
Why Did Russell Westbrook Leave Lakers?
When the former OKC Thunder star moved to L.A., it did not have the impact that they had hoped for. The Lakers had an abysmal 0-3 start to the season, which dented their hopes that year.
That was when Westbrook first learned about the rules of the Lakers’ locker room, according to recent reports. NBA insider Yaron Weitzman claims that Westbrook did not like LeBron James’ behavior and his comments to the media at the time.
Weitzman wrote that Will Smith popped in to meet the Lakers in October 2022, when James was heard having a long conversation with him. The conversation between the two apparently did not sit well with Westbrook, according to Weitzman.
He wrote, “The same guy who was trying to leave is now quoting back movie lines and going through the guy’s whole life story,” one attendee recalled thinking. Seated in the third row, picking at a bowl of fruit, Westbrook watched in disbelief, shaking his head and rolling his eyes every time LeBron spoke.”
Russell Westbrook reportedly grew tired of LeBron’s “fake” behavior during their time in L.A, per @YaronWeitzman
“I hate that fake sh*t, I just can’t do it.” 😳
• LeBron quietly pushed for a reunion with Kyrie Irving — a move that would’ve required trading Westbrook, despite… pic.twitter.com/G7ryAaJG4c
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 20, 2025
Westbrook, who did not agree with their conversation, apparently said afterwards, “I hate that fake s**t.”
Westbrook failed to make a lasting impact on the Lakers, and his turbulent relationship with Frank Vogel did not help either. He was benched by Vogel on multiple occasions, and failed to keep up consistent performances. Perhaps if Westbrook performed well while the Lakers were winning, he may not have been heavily criticized by fans like he was.
READ MORE: 2-Round 2026 NBA Mock Draft: 5 Duke Players Fly Off the Board in Round 1
He was able to only average 17.4 points, 7.2 assists and 6.9 rebounds in 130 games for the Lakers. However, although the Lakers failed to win a single playoff series with Westbrook, there were times when he showed glimpes of his defensive prowess.
The chemistry did not work with James and Anthony Davis, and soon his tenure with Lakers came to an end. He joined the Clippers in February 2024. Weitzman’s reports certainly is a shocking claim, that Westbrook did not like James’ behavior. However, until the players confirm it themselves, it will always remain a report.
