It’s no secret that the 2021-22 NBA season was a rough one for Russell Westbrook.
He was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers last summer. Not only was he expected to make them a championship contender again, but it also was a homecoming for him.
Born in Long Beach and raised in Hawthorne, Westbrook went to Leuzinger High School in nearby Lawndale and played two seasons of college ball at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Unfortunately, Westbrook’s dreams of a happy homecoming dissolved before his eyes.
The Lakers failed to reach the play-in tournament, and Westbrook was made into the scapegoat, as countless Lakers fans criticized him for his shooting inefficiency, turnovers and lackluster defense.
When the team drafted Max Christie on Thursday, Fox Sports 1 personality Skip Bayless took the opportunity to throw shade at Westbrook.
Lakers acquire a 2nd-round pick, take Michigan State's Max Christie, who shot only 32% from 3 last season. Perfect! He'll fit right in with LeBron and Westbrick.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 24, 2022
The Westbrick moniker has been thrown at the nine-time All-Star with amazing frequency over the last several months. The guard has said he can handle it, but that it has affected his family in a major way.
Westbrook fired back at Bayless on social media.
Yoooo… watch your mouth. Don’t say anything here you wouldn’t say to my face. https://t.co/0u8nFXYLY8
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) June 25, 2022
In addition, Westbrook’s wife Nina took the journalist to task.
It’s very disheartening that you would choose to continue to shame my family name. Today was a really sad day my daughters and me. The fact that you can’t respect a simple request not to try to tarnish my family name is saddening and such a pile on. It’s extremely hurtful.
— Nina Westbrook (@ninawestbrook) June 25, 2022
Bayless has a reputation for being a troll, albeit an entertaining one. If Westbrook remains with the Purple and Gold next season, the only thing he can do to silence trolls such as Bayless is to play better and help resurrect the team’s championship hopes.
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