MY ACCOUNT
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook has rubbished suggestions he is in dispute with his team-mates following viral footage that appeared to show him intentionally distancing himself from them.
Video captured in a preseason loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves showed the 33-year-old splitting from the rest of his team during a huddle, while he eschewed a later one.
After a difficult first season in LA as the Lakers missed the playoffs and Westbrook’s performances were the subject of scrutiny, questions were raised as to whether there was discord in the ranks even before the start of the new campaign.
But Westbrook responded: “Pre-game, I’ve been doing that since I’ve been in the league for years, man.
“I think they just cut the video, and obviously the internet is going to take it and run with whatever they need to run with.
“But I’ve been doing the same ritual since I’ve been in the league. As far as the other video, I was actually talking to the coaches and they cut that video in half as well.
“Honestly I’m just trying to compete and do my job. Everything, videos get nitpicked. You can cut any video and make anything you want out of it. It’s not up to me to be able to judge that.
“I know I’m a genuine team player. I’ve never had a problem being with my team-mates, so I’m going to continue doing what I’ve been doing.”
