Russell Westbrook Labels LeBron James ‘Fake’ in Lakers Fallout Excerpt

The recent fallout between LeBron James and Russell Westbrook has garnered attention, shedding light on their tumultuous relationship during their time with the Los Angeles Lakers. A new book by Yaron Weitzman, titled *A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers*, details the struggles Westbrook faced while playing alongside James.

Relationship Decline

Westbrook joined the Lakers in the summer of 2021, but their partnership never flourished. Observers reported that Westbrook became frustrated with James’s demeanor, which he labeled as “fake.” Weitzman’s book reveals specific incidents contributing to their strained relationship.

Key Incidents

• In a notable episode, actor Will Smith visited the Lakers for a team lecture. Before Smith’s arrival, LeBron James and Anthony Davis unexpectedly stepped out of the room.
• Teammates informed Westbrook that while James and Davis could act freely, the rest of the team had to adhere to the rules.
• When Smith engaged with the players, James’s reactions seemed disingenuous to Westbrook, who was visibly annoyed.

Westbrook’s Observations

Westbrook’s irritation peaked during a Q&A session with Smith. An attendee noted that LeBron monopolized the time, transforming a planned 30-minute session into nearly an hour of questions. This behavior baffled Westbrook, who later expressed his disdain, stating, “I hate that fake shit.”

Lack of Authenticity

Westbrook grew increasingly skeptical of James’s authenticity. Incidents where James struggled with details about his supposed favorite movie or significant literature further fueled these doubts. A widely circulated moment where James predicted Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game also contributed to Westbrook’s perception of James as inauthentic.

Concluding Thoughts

The Lakers’ aspirations to form a dynamic trio with Westbrook, James, and Davis ultimately fell short. Critics noted that Westbrook was not the right fit for the team. Weitzman’s insights provide a revealing look into the dysfunction within the Lakers’ locker room during Westbrook’s tenure.

As the basketball world observes the ongoing evolution of player partnerships, the upcoming James and Doncic collaboration will surely be scrutinized to avoid similar pitfalls.