LeBron James, a player with enormous potential, has been a dominant force in the league since his debut. His career is well-decorated with great achievements and recognition, having had successful stints with three different teams in the league, with the LA Lakers being the third franchise he is playing for.
LeBron has shared the locker room with some of the best players in the league throughout his career, making him a hard-to-knock-down basketball star. Interestingly, a former Lakers teammate once boldly claimed to have beaten LeBron in a 1-on-1 matchup during a discussion with a high-profile actor and comedian.
Russell Westbrook claimed to beat LeBron James in 1-on-1
Russell Westbrook, the then Oklahoma City Thunder’s point guard, well known for his undiluted confidence, revealed that he would beat LeBron James in a game of 1-on-1 while speaking with actor and comedian Kevin Hart.
Kevin Hart’s YouTube show “Cold As Balls,” hosted Russell Westbrook, where he discussed a variety of topics. Kevin asked Westbrook who would win between him and LeBron in a 1-on-1 match. Westbrook said despite their close relationship, he would be the winner over LeBron.
While Westbrook’s claim oozed out his self-confidence, there have been many duels between the two stars in which LeBron came out successful, notably LeBron’s Miami 2012 NBA Championship triumph over Westbrook’s Thunder.
However, in the season Westbrook made that statement, he faced LeBron as a Houston Rockets player, and LeBron emerged victorious over them on his way to the championship in the infamous Orlando Bubble. While those duels aren’t 1-on-1 situations, Westbrook’s confidence will have to be tested someday against LeBron.
Why did Lakers trade Russell Westbrook?
After the Lakers’ plan of having Russell Westbrook, a formidable asset on the roster alongside LeBron and Davis, failed, Westbrook’s trade became possible, influenced by several factors. In his second season with the Lakers, Westbrook was demoted to the bench.
A report on X by Tomer Azarly disclosed Westbrook’s response to Lakers’ Coach Darvin Ham’s praise for his willingness to accept the bench role. Westbrook, describing the incident as an experience, stated that it was in the past, and he is looking forward to the future with his new team.
Among the factors that inspired Westbrook’s trade was his difficult relationship with Ham, and also reportedly toxicity towards LeBron and Davis. Westbrook also wasn’t pleased when his name got mentioned in a failed Kyrie Irving trade, in which even LeBron openly expressed displeasure. Westbrook was then reportedly boycotting the team’s activities, especially LeBron’s celebration of achieving an all-time score record.
Westbrook later joined the Lakers’ direct rival, the Clippers, after seeing his $47 million deal was cut short by Jazz. He was reportedly involved in an argument with Coach Darvin Ham, which was the last straw for his stay with the Lakers. Despite Westbrook’s time with the Lakers, the former 2017 MVP winner, went on to form a dominant force in the Clippers’ roster.
