Russell Westbrook’s run with the Los Angeles Lakers was short and bumpy, and according to a new book, one of the biggest reasons was his growing frustration with LeBron James.
In A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers by NBA writer Yaron Weitzman, Westbrook’s 18-month stint in Los Angeles is laid out in detail—including his issues with James, whom Westbrook reportedly described as “fake,” according to The New York Times.
Weitzman writes that Westbrook quickly soured on James’ public persona versus what he saw behind the scenes. One example that stuck with him was James’ repeated use of the phrase “let Russ be Russ” when speaking to the media after games. Westbrook never felt that line was genuine.
“I think nobody understands what that means,” Westbrook told reporters in 2021. Later, when asked again about the phrase, he was blunt: “That wasn’t true. So let’s be honest.”
The tension only grew during the Lakers’ rocky 2022-23 start. With the team sitting at 0-3, they gathered for a film session where GM Rob Pelinka announced actor Will Smith would be visiting. According to Weitzman, James told the group, “Y’all got this,” and walked out a side door before Smith arrived. Anthony Davis followed.
Westbrook, left with the rest of the team, openly questioned why he had to stay if James and Davis didn’t. Patrick Beverley argued with him, insisting everyone else needed to remain. Head coach Darvin Ham eventually stepped out and returned with James and Davis so the group could meet Smith together.
When Smith arrived, James was all smiles, engaging in questions about the actor’s latest movie. Photos posted by the Lakers show James grinning for the cameras—while Westbrook’s body language told a different story.
“I hate that fake sh*t,” Westbrook later confided to a teammate, according to the book. “I just can’t do it.”
By February 2023, Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz, ending his turbulent Lakers chapter. Though his relationship with LeBron James started on good terms, it never recovered from those moments of disconnection. In a May 2025 interview, Westbrook acknowledged that the fallout was permanent.
Weitzman’s A Hollywood Ending hits shelves this week.