Many Lakers employees describe the relationship between LeBron James and Russell Westbrook as “awkward and tense” in light of what happened during this month’s Summer League game, writes The Orange County Register.
Evidence of tension between the players was seen a week ago when Westbrook attended one of the Lakers’ Summer League games but sat next to the team’s bench and did not interact with teammate LeBron James. James also did not approach Westbrook. The players left the arena at different times and through opposite exits.
The incident came amid rumors that James wants to reunite with former teammate Kyrie Irving, with whom he won a championship at Cleveland in 2016.