Russell Westbrook Reveals Honest Feelings on Kyrie Irving

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Prior to Saturday night's game between the LA Clippers and Dallas Mavericks, veteran point guards Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving shared an embrace at half court:
Russell Westbrook and James Harden connect with Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/mqiU2zAhMZ
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) November 26, 2023
The two players worked out together over the summer, and Irving has publicly supported Westbrook on social media amid some of the negativity the Clippers guard faced after his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.
When asked about his connection with Irving after Saturday night's game, Westbrook said, "It’s a little better this year, he actually worked out [with me] a couple times in the summertime. Just hearing his perspective and how he goes about his life is always interesting. And I respect him for everything that he stands for and stands on, especially his family. Obviously he’s a great basketball player and has done a lot of great things in the league, so mutual respect and I’m always thankful for him supporting me through everything since I’ve been in the league."
I asked Russell Westbrook about his connection with Kyrie Irving.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) November 26, 2023
Russ: “I respect him for everything that he stands for and stands on. Especially his family… Mutual respect, and I’m always thankful for him supporting me through everything since I’ve been in the league.” pic.twitter.com/vGfKo9F7HZ
Thankful for the support Irving has shown him, Westbrook spoke on the respect he has for the Mavericks guard. Respecting Irving for the things he stands on, especially his family values, Westbrook has a positive connection with the Mavericks star that was strengthened this summer when they worked out together.
While both Westbrook and Irving are competitors on the court, they have a good relationship off the court.
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Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.
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