Russell Westbrook is of the NBA’s most talented superstars. The former MVP literally carried the Oklahoma City Thunder in the absence of Kevin Durant. He then played for the Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards before joining the Los Angeles Lakers.
The world expected LA to be a powerhouse, especially since Westbrook’s arrival created a big three. However, that has not been the case. The former MVP has not lived up to the hype with many singling him out as the reason for the Lakers’ poor season.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 17, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) was given a technical foul for his reaction after a dunk over Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) in the first half of the game at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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This has led to many giving Westbrook the name ‘Westbrick’ to which the star took offense. However, many fans on Twitter reacted otherwise. They showcased Westbrook’s present irony in behavior when he gave Kevin Durant a nickname after the latter left OKC in 2016.
Russell Westbrook Faces Twitter Backlash
Fans on Twitter gave the Lakers’ star plenty of backlash. They recalled the ‘cupcake’ incident and used it to show that Westbrook taking offense over the ‘Westbrick’ chants made no sense.
Russell Westbrook pushed the “cupcake” nickname for KD, and now wants to cry about being called “Westbrick”.
Miss me with that shit.
— Guru (@DrGuru_) March 9, 2022
Can't dish it out if you can't handle it when it comes back around to you. https://t.co/KaujhWK4Jb
— Groovy Tony (@BurbHippy) March 10, 2022
Lmfao literally everything comes full circle. https://t.co/nYyApNMb21
— Bobby (@sniperheem) March 10, 2022
@RealSkipBayless @ShannonSharpe
We all forgot that westbrook started the negative nickname calling in 2017 with calling KD a cupcake..Its all fair game!! https://t.co/gjY77cTJH5
— BL FACTZ (@BLFactsRule) March 14, 2022
READ MORE: Stephen Curry Vouches for Russell Westbrook Amidst Criticism From Fans
Clearly, the fans believe that Westbrook’s behavior is ironic. Regardless, giving people names should never be taken to the extent to which it creates a sense of disrespect. After all, both KD and Russ are superstars of the league. Moreover, they were the ones along with James Harden who took OKC to its first and only NBA finals appearance since the move from Seattle. Evidently, they are legends of the franchise for their contributions.
The 2011-12 Oklahoma City Thunder
Ever since the move to Oklahoma, Westbrook and Durant were teammates. They played together for 4 years before the franchise earned a trip to the 2012 NBA finals. As a young squad, the rest of the league did not expect OKC to have the impact that they did. But to everyone’s surprise, they won 47 games that season.
Getty
EDMOND, OK – OCTOBER 1: Serge Ibaka #9, Russell Westbrook #0, James Harden #13 and Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder pose for a portrait during 2012 NBA Media Day on October 1, 2012 at the Thunder Events Center in Edmond, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
Then came the playoffs, where they once again flexed their dominance. In surprising fashion, KD, Russ, and Harden helped OKC to beat the Dallas Mavericks in 4 games who were the defending champions at the time. With the same momentum, they overcame the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs to make it to the finals.
Things looked exciting in the finals as OKC won the first game. However, they would drop 4 games in a row and the Miami Heat would be crowned champions.
