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Russell Westbrook clarified his verbal spat with LA Lakers assistant coaches in their win over the Houston Rockets on Monday. Westbrook was caught on video discussing things with assistant coach Phil Handy and LeBron James before halftime.
NBA TV's Jared Greenberg reported on the broadcast that Westbrook told the coaches they need to be better. James and Handy calmed things down as the Lakers headed into the locker room. The incident didn't affect the team, beating the Rockets 140-132.
"There was an interesting scene as the Lakers headed to the locker room at the end of the first half with the lead," Greenberg said. "Everybody pretty optimistic, happy with things, and then it was Russell Westbrook telling his coaches that they have to be better, repeatedly.
"Directing towards the Lakers coaching staff, 'Ya'll gotta be better than that.' Phil Handy and LeBron calming Russ down saying, 'We all have to be better, Russ.' That was Phil Handy's words to Russ."
In the postgame news conference, reporters asked Russell Westbrook about the incident. The former MVP clarified that it was just a normal conversation, but understood how some might perceive it. He didn't disclose what he was discussing with the coaching staff.
"Honestly, just a conversation," Westbrook said. "I didn't get into it with anybody. Obviously, people are going to perceive how they want to, but just voicing my opinion and that was it."
LA Lakers head coach Darvin Ham revealed that Westbrook was discussing his minutes with the assistant coaches at the time. Ham thought it was a respectful discussion that became passionate, which was normal given the situation.
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Russell Westbrook scores 24 points in LA Lakers win
Russell Westbrook continues to thrive in his role as the sixth man for the LA Lakers. Westbrook had 24 points, five rebounds and four assists in their 140-132 win over the Houston Rockets.
The former MVP is averaging 19.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.1 steals in the past 10 games. He's also one of the favorites to win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award this season.
However, it was LeBron James who stole the show for the Lakers on Monday night. "The King" had a season-high 48 points, with eight rebounds and nine assists. Kendrick Nunn and Wenyen Gabriel contributed 15 and 14 points, respectively, off the bench.
Additionally, Alperen Sengun had 33 points, 15 rebounds and six assists for the Rockets. Jalen Green scored 23 points, while Eric Gordon had 19 points and eight rebounds.
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Guess the Lakers players!
