How the Feud Between Lakers Teammates Russell Westbrook and Rajon Rondo Started? Everything You Need to Know

Los Angeles Lakers have built a monstrous roster for the coming NBA season. They have assembled a ‘super team’ that can fight for the championship once again. In a bid to raise their championship hopes, the Lakers added Rajon Rondo, Russell Westbrook, and 11 others to their roster.

May 25, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with teammates against the Phoenix Suns during the first half in game two of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Any team needs coordination among their players on the court to win titles. If the players have a good relationship off the court, it’s easier for them to combine well on the court as well. However, Lakers’ new additions Rajon Rondo and Russell Westbrook have engaged in beef on several occasions in the past. The duo didn’t have a good relationship before coming to the Lakers.

The feud between Los Angeles Lakers duo Russell Westbrook and Rajon Rondo

The exact start of the feud between the duo isn’t known. However, their beef became the talking point last year, when Rajon’s brother had an argument with Westbrook. During the Orlando bubble, Westbrook and Rondo’s brother, William, engaged in an argument during the Lakers vs Rockets playoff game 5.

Rajon Rondo e Russell Westbrook no mesmo time.

Ano passado, durante um dos jogos de Playoffs na bolha, no meio do jogo, Westbrook discutiu com o irmão do Rondo que estava na arquibancadapic.twitter.com/S7l0DCipB9

— NBA do Povo (@NBAdoPovo) August 28, 2021

Lakers guard Rajon Rondo says his brother, William, called Russell Westbrook “trash” and nothing more and gave him the “Damian Lillard” wave when the Rockets star asked what he said. Rondo said his bother didn’t say anything more and he is hopeful there will be no discipline.

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) September 13, 2020

Despite the bio-bubble, Rajon Rondo’s brother was allowed to watch the game from the stands as a ‘family member’. However, after his verbal argument with Westbrook, he was ejected. After the incident, Russell described the whole incident.

“Apparently, I guess because (Rajon) Rondo was talking s**t, (William) decided he wanted to hop in, too,” Westbrook said.

“I guess ’cause Rondo was talking s—, he decided he wanted to hop in too.”

—Russell Westbrook on his mid-game altercation with Rajon Rondo’s brother pic.twitter.com/zp6LPloo6e

— ESPN (@espn) September 13, 2020

Westbrook and Rajon Rondo were involved in a beef once again in January 2021. Rondo was an Atlanta Hawks player now and Russell Westbrook played for Houston Rockets. When the Hawks faced the Rockets in January last season, Westbrook was ejected as he picked his 2nd technical foul by shoving Rajon. Before that, Westbrook and Rajon Rondo got their first technical foul in the first quarter.

Westbrook and Rondo both got technical fouls after exchanging words pic.twitter.com/KPWuMNyUTM

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 30, 2021

The game’s intensity increased in the last quarter. Westbrook shoved Rondo in the last quarter and received his second technical foul. Russ had to leave the game early, and the Wizards ended up losing the game. Rondo was spotted waving goodbye to Russell after the foul.

Rajon Rondo waves Russell Westbrook goodbye after Westbrook gets ejected for picking up his second technical foul. pic.twitter.com/84v89E5WiF

— JM3 (@JM3Hoops) January 30, 2021

But despite being ejected with five mins remaining, Westbrook was the points leader for the Wizards in the game. However, after the Wizards’ loss against the Hawks, Westbrook blamed no one but himself for the ejection. Russ opened up and said that he ‘stooped’ to Rajon Rondo’s level and it eventually led him to get ejected during the game.

“I mean, honestly it’s more on me. I can’t allow myself just to stoop down to anybody’s level,” Westbrook said.

Westbrook says he ‘stooped’ to Rondo’s level and it eventually led him to get tossed.

(: @FredKatz)pic.twitter.com/1Ii74rQray

— theScore (@theScore) January 30, 2021

In a recent interview, Rondo has revealed that he wants to put everything into the past. Rondo will most likely back up Westbrook in his point guard position. A good relationship off the court will surely help the duo and the team as well. The duo of Rajon Rondo and Russell Westbrook will try to combine with LeBron and Anthony Davis in the coming season and help the Lakers win their 18th NBA championship.

ALSO READ- Lakers’ Rajon Rondo Opens up on His Feud With Russell Westbrook

The post How the Feud Between Lakers Teammates Russell Westbrook and Rajon Rondo Started? Everything You Need to Know appeared first on EssentiallySports.