Russell Westbrook blasted LeBron James in Vegas over Kyrie Irving’s trade betrayal

In front Los Angeles Lakers2022-23 campaign, Russell Westbrook he felt betrayed by the All-Stars LeBron James amid trade rumors that LeBron is pushing for a reunion Kyrie Irving. The only problem at the time was fitting Westbrook into the deal, which was a move the Brooklyn Nets weren’t interested in making at the time. In front James’ 23rd NBA season in 2025-26still chasing his second championship with the Lakers.

James was interested in trading Westbrook, his then Lakers teammate, for Irving, who returned to Russell. That led to awkward non-interaction between James and Westbrook in a Summer League game in July, according to Jaron Weitzman.

“The scene became the talk of the night. Side-by-side pictures contrasting how LeBron and Westbrook interacted in summer league the year before — they entered the building together and sat next to each other — made the rounds on social media. The lack of interaction was red meat for the talking heads. It also raised concerns among the team’s new coaching staff,” we wrote.

“We knew eventually we were going to have to take Westbrook off the bench because things weren’t right,” the Lakers coach said. “But when I saw that show that night, I was like, ‘Oh, these mothers****** don’t even talk to each other.’

Irving was entering the final year of his contract, a player option worth $36.9 million, and wanted an extension, which the Nets were reluctant to do given that Irving missed parts of the regular season and refused to get a COVID vaccine. He was also suspended for promoting an anti-Semitic documentary on social media. Brooklyn was reluctant to extend the contract. Therefore, Kyrie requested a trade, and the Lakers are mentioned as one of his preferred destinations.

However, it did not bring him closer to LeBron and the Lakers.

Nets, Lakers have reportedly discussed trading Kyrie Irving

The Lakers never came close to poaching Irving from the Nets in exchange for Russell Westbrook. The trade attempt also ended LeBron James and Westbrook’s relationship at the Lakers’ All-Star game.

“Negotiations between the Lakers and the Nets went nowhere. Pelinka never showed any real interest in Irving. And even if he did, the Nets had no desire to bring Westbrook back,” Weitzman wrote. “Irving picked up his option and stayed in Brooklyn, but by then the damage was done. Due to the NBA’s salary match rules, the only way the Lakers could get Irving would be to trade Westbrook.”

“Westbrook knew it, and LeBron knew it, too. Which means that no matter what LeBron said in public, the reality was clear: He wanted the Lakers to get Westbrook out.”

Westbrook was eventually traded to the Jazz in February 2023.