EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- After several videos went viral making it appear Russell Westbrook was intentionally distancing himself from teammates during the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, Westbrook offered context to debunk any signs of discord.
In one video, shot on a phone by Instagram user Michael Morales from a seat located behind the Lakers' bench, Westbrook is seen greeting teammates near the foul line during player introductions and then running to the bench alone, while the Lakers huddled up.
"Pregame, I've been doing that since I've been in the league for years, man," Westbrook said after practice Thursday.