On Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Los Angeles Clippers, and it turned into a game with the type of intensity that isn’t often seen during an early regular-season game.
After the Lakers fell behind by 19 in the first half, they started to fight back in the third quarter, turning it into a competitive contest that went back and forth down the stretch.
The Lakers ended up winning 130-125 in overtime behind 35 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists from LeBron James. For the Clippers, former Lakers guard Russell Westbrook turned in 24 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and four steals.
Westbrook didn’t leave the Purple and Gold on the best of terms in February, and it may have been evident right before the tip when James acknowledged each Clippers starter except for Westbrook.
Bron dapped up every Clipper except Russ 🧐🤔 pic.twitter.com/Dhm8hNJ44v
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) November 2, 2023
To be fair, Westbrook was at the far end of the court, so it’s always possible he was avoiding James and his other former teammates.
While there were times the situation between Westbrook and the Lakers grew heated during his time with them, more than one of his former teammates has come to his defense and said he was a very good and supportive teammate.
The two teams will play each other next on Jan. 7. By then, new Clipper James Harden will be up to speed, and it will be very interesting to see what transpires.
