Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Clippers on Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks: “I Respect Him For Everything He Stands For”
After the Mavs and Clippers game, NBA stars Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving talked about their mutual admiration for one another.
Two of the most well-liked players in the NBA, Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving, showed their admiration for one another following the Dallas Mavericks’ loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Following Irving’s impressive 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists on Saturday, Westbrook was questioned concerning their mutual relationship. After working out together in Los Angeles during the summer, Irving and Westbrook have become closer, according to Westbrook, who finished with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.
This year, things are a little better. Irving truly worked out a few times throughout the summer, according to Westbrook. It’s always intriguing to hear his viewpoint and how he approaches life. I also admire him for everything he stands for, including his family and other ideals.
“And obviously, he’s a great basketball player, and there are a lot of great things in the league,” added Westbrook. “Mutual respect, and I’m always thankful for him supporting me through everything since I’ve been in the league.”
When questioned about Westbrook’s remark, Irving stated that he was “grateful” to have such respect from his peers. He emphasized how time spent away from the court has been the primary factor in the growth of that bond, but it has also been cultivated via Team USA camps and playoff series battles.
“I’m grateful that I have that respect, but I think it started off the court with a lot of those guys and a lot of my peers,” Irving stated. “If you focus only on this particular squad, Kawhi is my draft pick. A few years ahead is PG. These are guys I’ve been playing with for a very long time. Together, we’ve attended Team USA camps. We have faced off in [playoff] series.
“I’ve been teammates with a few of the guys, and I don’t think you can see that we have less time playing than we do with some of us,” Irving said. “And the times that we get do get to compete against each other; we relish in it, but off the court, we see each other in the summertime, always wishing well for their families, always praying for them, so I appreciate the respect, and it goes both ways.”
In their later NBA careers, Irving and Westbrook aim to contend for a championship. The Western Conference has changed over the years, so whichever club succeeds will have a difficult task ahead of them.
While the Clippers adjust to having James Harden join them and already have superstar wings in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Irving concentrates on finishing the job with Luka Doncic.
