With emotions running high in professional sports, friendships between teammates can quickly turn into rivalries—especially when players change teams and become opponents.
Westbrook was traded to the Lakers in the summer of 2021, joining James as his new point guard. Many assumed that the Los Angeles star had handpicked Westbrook for the role, but the partnership wasn’t fruitful. The Lakers stumbled to a 33–49 record in the 2021–2022 season. While the front office was ready to try again in 2022–2023, Westbrook and James were reportedly at odds, according to an upcoming book by The Ringer's Yaron Weitzman.
According to an anecdote from the book, Westbrook and James were barely on speaking terms, as James was intent on trading Westbrook for Kyrie Irving. Much of their tension surfaced during a practice visit from actor Will Smith, when Westbrook felt that James was being fake around the celebrity guest.
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Here is more on how Smith factored into the beef between James and Westbrook.
LeBron James-Russell Westbrook feud, explained
Beefs can form over what seems like the smallest thing. Smith was set to come talk to the Lakers about his upcoming film "Emancipation."
Huge thank you to Will Smith, who joined the team to discuss strength through togetherness, and practicing gratitude in times of great challenge. All themes in his forthcoming masterpiece film, Emancipation.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 26, 2022
🎙 | Lakers Genius Talk pic.twitter.com/H2Pt0bmBhr
It was the start of the 2022-2023 season, and Westbrook was already on thin ice with James who wanted Irving in Los Angeles. With Smith coming to practice, James and Anthony Davis left before the actor arrived. Westbrook asked if he and the rest of the team could leave too, and was told that James and Davis get "preferential treatment."
Westbrook didn't like hearing that and an argument broke out, which resulted in then-head coach Darvin Ham calling Davis and James back. When they returned and Smith showed up, a 30-minute interaction was extended to nearly an hour because Smith opened up a Q&A for the team, and James reportedly asked question after question after question.
Westbrook felt that this was fake since James has initially left and was going to skip the appearance altogether. Westbrook reportedly said, "I hate that fake sh--. I just can't do it."
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How is Will Smith involved in LeBron James-Russell Westbrook feud
Smith didn't do anything directly that led to the beef; an appearance by the actor just felt like the final nail in the coffin of the deteriorating relationship between James and Westbrook. James had initially left the practice gym, but was called back after it became clear the rest of the team was forced to stay, and he was getting preferential treatment as a star.
Then, once he returned, James took over the appearance. One attendee said, "The same guy who was trying to leave is now quoting back movie lines and going through the guy's whole life story." It was also reported that Westbrook "watched in disbelief, shaking his head, and rolling his eyes every time LeBron spoke."
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When do LeBron James and Russell Westbrook play each other this year?
Given that the Lakers and the Kings are Pacific Division rivals in the Western Conference, they will square off four times during the 2025-2026 season.
| Date | Time (ET) | Location | TV/Live stream |
| Sunday, October 26 | 9 p.m. | Sacramento | N/A |
| Sunday, December 28 | 9:30 p.m. | Los Angeles | N/A |
| Monday, January 12 | 10 p.m. | Sacramento | Yes, Peacock |
| Sunday, March 1 | 9:30 p.m. | Los Angeles | N/A |