REPORTING!!! LeBron James responds to Celtics broadcast over comments made about Russell Westbrook.

James criticized them for suggesting that he was to blame for the problems that arose during Westbrook’s time with the Lakers.

During the Boston Celtics’ preseason opener against the Denver Nuggets, former Celtics player and current color commentator Brian Scalabrine shared his thoughts on Russell Westbrook, expressing a desire to see him succeed in his upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Scalabrine reflected on Westbrook’s difficult tenure with the Lakers and stated that he hoped the star guard would make a strong showing against them.

“I’ll tell you what, I’m rooting for him to hit nine three-pointers against the Lakers because he took a lot of criticism for that period. That team was a disaster, and he bore the brunt of the blame, so I’m really hoping he can sink a bunch of threes against them,” Scalabrine commented. His remarks underscored the sentiment that Westbrook faced excessive scrutiny during his time in Los Angeles, where many attributed the team’s struggles largely to him.

Following Scalabrine’s supportive comments, Celtics play-by-play announcer Drew Carter added a touch of humor to the discussion, responding, “You’re telling me that one of LeBron’s teammates suddenly became the scapegoat? Are you serious?” This exchange highlighted the ongoing conversation surrounding Westbrook’s impact on the Lakers and how he has often been viewed in the context of the team’s challenges.

LeBron James caught wind of the comments made by Brian Scalabrine and Drew Carter regarding Russell Westbrook’s time with the Lakers and decided to respond through his X account. In his post, he expressed his thoughts directly, writing, “Took a trip all the way to Abu Dhabi to be on my… Eat some breakfast first! Anyway, Brodie is a LEGEND.” He accompanied his message with a salute emoji, emphasizing his respect for Westbrook. James’s response demonstrates his support for his former teammate and highlights the camaraderie they share, despite the criticisms Westbrook faced during his tenure in Los Angeles.

LeBron James deserves the benefit of the doubt when he asserts that he has no animosity toward Russell Westbrook. Throughout his career, James has built a reputation as a supportive and encouraging teammate, often going out of his way to uplift those around him. Even though the Lakers’ experiment with Westbrook ultimately turned into a significant disappointment, it’s entirely understandable that James would still hold Westbrook in high regard. After all, Westbrook is one of the most accomplished players of his era, and their relationship, albeit strained by the dynamics of the game, shouldn’t overshadow that respect.

However, it’s important to recognize that this situation highlights a broader trend that has emerged with teams led by LeBron. Whenever a specific player struggles to meet expectations, leading to team difficulties, that player often becomes the primary scapegoat for the team’s shortcomings. This pattern is not just a coincidence; it has been evident throughout various teams James has played on.

In Miami, Chris Bosh frequently found himself in the crosshairs of criticism. Despite his significant contributions to the Heat’s success, whenever the team faced challenges, Bosh was often the player singled out for blame. Similarly, during his time in Cleveland, Kevin Love experienced the same fate. Despite being a crucial part of the championship equation, Love often received undue criticism whenever the Cavaliers stumbled on the court.

In Los Angeles, Westbrook became the latest in a long line of players to take on the role of scapegoat. Despite being an MVP and a dynamic player, Westbrook was portrayed as the reason behind the Lakers’ struggles during his tenure. This ongoing trend of placing blame on one individual—often a star—has sparked widespread discussion regarding accountability and teamwork within LeBron’s teams.

It’s worth noting that this pattern doesn’t reflect negatively on LeBron himself. His demand for excellence from his teammates stems from his status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Given his extensive accolades and success throughout his NBA career, he has earned the right to expect nothing less than the best from those around him for the team to thrive.

While it’s not LeBron’s fault that Westbrook struggled to perform effectively with the Lakers, the reality remains that Westbrook’s difficulties made him another entry in the long list of fall guys who have played alongside LeBron over the past two decades. Each of these players has had to navigate the intense scrutiny that comes with being part of a team led by a player of James’s caliber, often resulting in them bearing the brunt of blame for collective failures. As the NBA continues to evolve, this dynamic remains an intriguing aspect of James’s career and its impact on those who share the court with him.