Just a month ago it seemed unfathomable Russell Westbrook would come into training camp as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
A disastrous first season with the team bled into his exit interview with assembled media, where few figures within the organization were left unscathed as he spoke his truth about why he’d played poorly. Further, despite public facing comments from Darvin Ham offering support (and outright praise) for Westbrook as a player, the front office was actively trying to trade him under the guise of exploring ways to improve the roster.
Tack on an icy non-greeting at a Summer League game between Russ and LeBron James, and it all felt pretty cut and dry to me.