Russell Westbrook Responds To Kevin Durant’s Comments About Him

Russell Westbrook addresses Kevin Durant's comments saying people will look at him differently once he retires.
Video courtesy of Tomer Azarly:Twitter

[@tayshxwnn]

He’s a 1 in a generation type player , there’s no 6’3 guard that can stay healthy , give it it’s all and never give up no matter the circumstances, That’s Russell Westbrook III

[@ryanlebard3787]

True …, if the lord blessed him with a jumper he’d be unstoppable, but can’t have it all

[@johnnywebb2351]

That's my Brodie love that dude as a family man, his character and definitely 💯 his game PERIOD you are right he is one of a kind

[@GOODLUCK77]

​@@ryanlebard3787 He doesn't work on it enough. He's too sensitive

[@shawncurtis3426]

Yes sir. So underrated

[@GOODLUCK77]

Not Giving up is good if the play is right. He consistently doesn't give up the wrong way (goes hard when not needed). He's not cerebral. Too emotional. GREAT athlete.

[@mitchwhite3139]

I've never seen a player that gives 100 percent effort like Russ. He has tremendous heart and passion for the game and he never cheats his team.

[@kcidd12]

Hey stop saying good stuff about him lets sh** on him some more! It’s a very healthy honest thing to do.

[@se7enzee444]

You haven't watched basketball. Have you NOT seen Alex Caruso or Giannis Antetokounmpo play?

[@kcidd12]

@@se7enzee444 You haven’t watched basketball either have you ever watched Ben Simmons? That guy literally gives it everything he has when he’s on the floor

[@mitchwhite3139]

@@se7enzee444 It was meant as a compliment to Russ. Of course he's not the only basketball player that gives maximum effort. Don't get your panties in e wad

[@natedg78]

Ummm "AI' Allen Iverson, Jordan, Kobe, Bird Cmon man

[@brandonmansell]

I don't think people realize just how special Russel's story is. Kevin Love touched on it during podcast with JJ... You have to remember, he got UCLA and Darren Collison was the man, Darren went down with injury and Westbrook seized his opportunity and never looked back! Kevin Love spoke so highly of his time with Westbrook for that year

[@warrior0994]

Most people never watched him at UCLA. That’s why they hate on him. He gave it his all at UCLA and still going. Russ is going to leave all on the court which is what I respect about him

[@brandonmansell]

@@warrior0994 No doubt. During his peak at OKC he was my fav player in the league just because he went 110% at all times. You could tune in and know he was going to put on a show. Real worker.

[@st.toussaint4632]

@@warrior0994 stop meat riding. It’s the NBA I don’t care about his story😂. what does his college days have to do with his bad decision making and poor shooting. He is a journey men who adds no value to a championship winning team. Apart from that he’s a great guy and good team mate and a HOF.

[@chidi9646]

@@st.toussaint4632 no one is meat riding here you the only one who’s glazing

[@ihateithere9298]

@@st.toussaint4632 you seem upset. Let the hurt go dude

[@trabo87comedy]

One of the most if not the most durable players we have seen especially with the intensity he plays with. Heart of a champion.

[@MoonIronTR]

He didnt miss single game until patrick beverly injured him

[@MrJejonez]

He also trained w rose in summers, plural. He had a mean midrange. And his three evened Drose. I think evil eye hurt him the most. Maybe his prayers weren’t right lol. Idk but y’all rly fuxxed w this man

[@Shiny101]

The happiness on his face after hearing what KD said about him made my heart feel good ngl lol

[@bladesmith930]

U caught that huh....it shows how much respect these guys have for each other.. good for u russ..u been great dude....u make mistakes cuz u dont take no plays off..

[@jameswainaina9133]

You're missing his point. It don't matter to him . He'll do him. He don't need validation from KD or anyone. He knows who he is and he's cool with what he's not. That's the problem with you youngin's nowadays. You value validation from others. Be who you are everything else is just noise.

[@bladesmith930]

@@jameswainaina9133 huh????? wat are u talking about bro...lol..u sound like my mom and aunt.." he know who he is and is kool with that:"... lmaoooooo...u really think that is how men act right....men dont need validation but we love to be acknowledge by other alpha males with respect.. U an old head??? ur momz raised you...cuz that is a woman thing to say " be who you are..we dont need validation" thats queen bro.. a true leader is not validated he is acknowledge ...ur dad should have never left the house..u dont know stuff.

[@TheSergio1021]

​@@jameswainaina9133 he can not need validation while simultaneously appreciating KDs words

[@macgoldie7771]

​@@jameswainaina9133 are those burgers seasoned and ready for the grill? Get back to work

[@standupguy3013]

Respect to Durant for shedding that light on russ to be able to answer this question we believe in you Russ keep getting better bro !

[@louiswilliams984]

He can’t help but to give Russ his just due. No one has ever played defense on him like that.

[@Marcus-xu7hn]

@@louiswilliams984 ….bs

[@louiswilliams984]

@@Marcus-xu7hn Boy ain’t nobody blocking no shots on no 2 dribble pull ups in any league BUT Russ! Mind you KD’s like 7 feet tall

[@Marcus-xu7hn]

@@louiswilliams984 Dennis Smith Jr just did that to KD in his first game with the suns during reg season. What are you talking about.

[@dcat03]

@ Louis Williams You act like we ain’t see kd get locked up the whole series last year against the Celtics lmao

[@russhirata]

Huge Clipper Fan here - I appreciate him coming in and giving his all. Even with the two main players out, he shouldered so much of the responsibility. Russ is a class act.

[@pinobluevogel6458]

The games were really close, despite Booker being insanely good and Durant never missing when he was open. (which he was not, often enough) Its just a shame they had to play this shorthanded.

[@eddie9244]

How long are kawhi and paul george gonna be injured for? Been like 2 years

[@scrubvision5652]

@@eddie9244 they will be injured untill they are traded

[@huntermach7356]

Y'all would have won without Kawhi and PG too, you only needed to play a little bit more defense, still can't believe how Roco wasn't a starter. It could have easily been Westbrook, Powell, Roco, Batum, Zubac.

[@michaeljames2084]

Since when? "huge clipper fan."

[@morriskode]

He was surprised n honored KD spoke THAT HIGHLY of him. Greatness

[@jjuuiicee]

So glad Russ earned the respect he deserves. Clearly he is still very effective. He just needs a deep team around him thay fits his play. Happy for Russ

[@FierceZs1]

If Kawhi and PG can stay healthy they certainly can.

[@666sk8erguy]

@@FierceZs1 that’s a big if. They should rebuild the whole team at this point.

[@JackOfAllTrades521]

Please don’t put a team around him that fits his playing, the whole damn team is going miss shots and get turnovers.

[@qwammienewsome1357]

Russ has never been a SKILLED player! His athletic attributes has carried him this far!

[@goodenergy8217]

🧢. I’d pick tony delk or either tj ford any day

[@makula5543]

Much respect for Russell Westbrook as a person and a Baller! I still marvel at his energy at this stage of his career.

[@pinobluevogel6458]

He looks like the youngest guy on the court most of the time.

[@neighborhoodpicks]

It’s amazing !!

[@ItIsYouAreNotYour]

The truth is, he will be known as the athletic player who has a horrible basketball IQ, tried to pass getting in a dress as style, and stat padded his whole career.

[@jaceygaither2581]

Russ has matured and seems to be in a great place on and off the court. Definitely happy for the guy, seems like a great dude.

[@J23LA24]

He needed to get away from LeBron. Playing with Bron means when you win, he gets all the credit, and when you lose, you get all the blame.

[@mauricedavis1740]

@@J23LA24 that’s a fact..

[@lovinglife419]

@@J23LA24 Nailed it.

[@abuceesay]

Well said people need to appreciate this man he always gives you 💯 % plays hard and I never see this man injured he read at all times

[@kingboo730ify]

YOU FORGOT ABOUT THE FOOT INJURIES IN LA HUH😮

[@BLKSaiyanCopyKat]

​@@kingboo730ify that's because it's rare, he's not consistently injured like others who don't even play as hard as him

[@blackgirlmagic8586]

​@kingboo730ify He's been injured but it's every few years. He's not constantly injured unlike a lot of players

[@charlesjonesjr.864]

He really represents the best of professional athletes. Honest with the media, plays hard, and respects the game. Its a shame that he gets torn down because of this

[@TRE601]

Great series for Russ. He gets torn down because he usually plays like an idiot. This series he played within the concept and like there were 4 other players on the court in the same jersey as him.

[@jjax3661]

All he does is dodge accountability and make excuses just like his fanbase lol and this “he plays hard” narrative is so forced

[@NameLess-kj1kk]

The way I teared up! So happy for Russ👑

[@uncleshushu1]

KD always show Russ respect. Props to him for doing that. Although I don’t see Russ going out of his way in defense of KD

[@r.p.9021]

Suns fan here, Russ played his heart out in the series. Much respect, always thought he was a great player. He gave us fits all series long!

[@1Mrsweetness]

In every organization he came he gave everything. The player that won mvp with averaging triple double. People can’t even understand how insane that is. Russ we love you!

[@nikeetime7581]

VERY WELL SAID!!! He leaves it all on the court every night! He is a stellar athlete, and very good basketball player, and seems to have it together. 👏🏿💪🏿🏀👍🏿

[@eddie9244]

😂

[@chaz200711]

It really is nice to see Westbrook appreciated after going thru all of the criticism and slander. And it’s nice to see that he has a team that he can call home. A team that actually wants Russ and appreciates what he brings to the table on and off the court. I think the value in Russ goes much deeper than just basketball. Great to see him receiving his flowers 💪🏻

[@SonofSamhein]

God BLESS you, Russell Westbrook. I have NEVER referred to you as "Westbrick", even one singular Time. That man's name and career, demand RESPECT.

[@sebastienc.2257]

It’s not just disrespectful but it’s lazy commentary

[@imstillyoshi]

On God

[@BallCDO]

Facts I call him Beastbrook instead

[@SonofSamhein]

@@sebastienc.2257 People give Skip Bayless a pat on the back, for that LAME nickname...he does not DESERVE the pat, at all :^/.

[@SonofSamhein]

@@imstillyoshi That man done put up some numbers, that shall NEVER BE touched, again...!

[@tadah21]

He felt that in his chest respect from peers is utmost importance 😊 happy for dude

[@thorphoeung6057]

You deserve all the respect in the world Russell. You give 110% on the court each and every game.

[@OldWorldandBeyond]

All that effort is for naught if you shoot you team out of games

[@thorphoeung6057]

@@OldWorldandBeyond Russell did his part to help his team win. Blame the other 2 superstars for being injured most of the season and playoffs

[@jjax3661]

If that were true then he would play defense

[@thorphoeung6057]

@@jjax3661 ok casual

[@thorphoeung6057]

@@OldWorldandBeyond ok NBA2K player

[@daviddavis5177]

I'm happy for him. He is in a good place, I think he has finally found the right fit, and I hope they get their chance to compete for a title soon. He deserves it

[@JamesJohnson-ip2by]

Yeah he's in a good humble and content place but he won't win anything with the clippers as long as Paul George and Lenard is there always injured,he needs to move around!

[@st.toussaint4632]

@@JamesJohnson-ip2by you must be delusional lol if you think he was winning with them healthy. Pg and Kawhi have been in this situation since they linked.

[@BuBu_Abdullah]

And that’s why I love him so much!!! He knows his value and won’t let anybody just walk all over him

[@isessogroup]

He’s a very unique player. Best rebounding guard i have ever seen and definitely one of the best to step out there. Never gone lack effort. Stay blessed Russ

[@LSDSNot_ForfreXX]

Truly 1 of 1🙌. Through thick and thin with Russ one thing you have to admire is his passion for the game

[@Spunday1]

He gives 100% effort every time he’s on the floor. Love this guy!

[@SmittySOE]

Much respect for the brodie.. realest thing he said . I'm not even pose to be here. I grew up in the hood

[@joejesus9902]

Respect to Russ for being available to play and giving his all.

[@jejo63660]

“To be nobody but yourself - in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you into everybody else- means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight.” - E.E. Cummings Shout out to Russ on the great series

[@mr.christopher79]

no doubt about it! many will never come to know who they truly are

[@youngjaxso]

That was a hell of a response from Russ 💯

[@franksun2924]

Respect! Russ is such a hard working talented player! He’s biggest challenge crosses his career is decision making skill, if he plays with a right coach(Ty qualifies), he will be phenomenal!

[@josephvega3763]

Russ is a savage and never cheats the fans

[@gmoneyslowdance5510]

Not many people can say they lived their dream like this guy has. Love or hate his game he has done at a very high level what millions upon millions have aspired to do.

[@jeanpagette5019]

This man a class act. Much respect. Skip Bayless is one of those sport’s personalities that kick rocks when it comes to this man

[@dhmtube4454]

One thing I love about this guy is his competitiveness, He gives everything he has 100% every game!

[@NickPR87]

I will always respect Russ just for the fact that no other point guard has played for 15 years at his level of athleticism and explosiveness and stayed mostly injury-free. That tells you about the commitment he puts into his fitness regime and other health habits. His style of play may not always yield the results that expected, but his level energy and passion for the game can never be put in doubt.

[@acex9533]

You can tell that comment from Kevin made his night 💯

[@easymoneyproductions9898]

THAT SMILE BY RUSS THO AT THE BEGINNING....EVEN RUSS KNOWS HOW HE.PLAYED DOWN THE.STRETCH INCLUDING PLAYOFFS HE SHUT ALOT OF HIS.HATERS UP.....THE MAN LED THE TEAM IN EVERYTHING IM HAPPY FOR HIM 💯💯💯💯

[@Chartlaub5]

He pushed through so much this year.

[@ramonrios931]

Every year!

[@oaklandsoldier8520]

I respect this dude 💯. Great character brother

[@tamarasimmons6695]

Such a humble guy. He gets more grief than he should. Keep doing & being you Westbrook!!

[@uchgamerx]

I am not always a fan of his game, but dude is the ultimate professional. Shows up for work and plays his heart out. Can't say the same about his "superstars" teammates Kali and Paulette

[@Xahrae]

KD was very genuine and gracious I’m his comments on Russ. I appreciate him for what he said. Both players headed to the Hall of Fame with Harden too as first balloters. Serge Ibaka will also make it in albeit later after the original BIG three from the baby Thunder. It’s a pity stingy management couldn’t have kept Harden there initially and allowed the world to see them go to 12 finals straight with 8 or 9 championships.

[@cgj2371]

You really think Serge is a hall of famer?

[@erictoomer5665]

I DEEPLY APPRECIATE Russ Man… sincerely a Laker fan since 00s.

[@TitoJonJon]

100% effort Non stop motor.. Always available.. Hell of a competitor.. I have not been a fan.. But we have to appreciate him before its too late. One of the greats

[@Iceman4487]

Well put Sir!You are 100 percent correct and if more people had that way of thinking this world would be a much better place

[@Jbubou]

When he retires his numbers will be insane. Points, assists, rebounds 6'3 guard. None other like him.

[@Shortstrokes1]

Your amazing bro, thank you for giving your all! It’s a pleasure watching your passion in live action. Blessings

[@nahte-]

“This wasn’t even suppose to happen to me, I grew up in the hood” that’s inspiring as hell man. I love Russ, I don’t care what anybody says.

[@gualtergutierrez1166]

The hood is where most of NBA players come from no?

[@higherheights3105]

It's safe to say that Russell Westbrook is the most explosive Point Guard ever

[@matthewhamm1359]

Suns fan here, watching Russ in this series at times had you thinking he was back in OKC. Say what you want about this dude but he has that fire in him and it burns bright. Respect to Russ and the clippers gave the suns a lot to handle even down two all stars.

[@jamaradams4144]

That's the first time I ever became a fan of someone because the way they answer the question bless up for

[@tavaresjwilliams]

He right he does a lot of things others can’t do. Much respect to his game

[@de1738]

Gratitude 🎉

[@therealsoeazy]

Russ over the last few years has become one of the most likeable superstars in all of sports. Who else plays hard every single possession and shows up to play every night like Russ does

[@billybobobacious]

When every other player who's asked about Russ has nothing but compliments about him as a person and his character, that says a lot about the man.

[@kasuel07]

He had so much inner joy to hear someone mentioning something positive about him.. You can tell it was a surprise, a sweet surprise with so much negative things being said

[@kasuel07]

@Upful Soul true. Its the media that does too much negativity

[@AD-im5to]

Great answer! He lets his emotions out in his game and plays with heart . I think he takes peoples words and opinions to heart , but he’s done a good job to keep his head held up high even on the downtimes

[@elchicomedallasno3962]

As a laker fan, we didnt value this man, hes all heart and grit, and is an example and an inspiration. Saludos mr. Westbrook🇲🇽✌🏽

[@FaithisKey792]

Russell Westbrook is an amazing player. He plays with heart and sacrifices his body on the court to make plays that can change the game, for his squad. God bless him and his family, fans, etc.

[@CM-lr4fw]

Westbrook deserves total respect! A gracious & humble human being. He is a star athlete and no one should say anything otherwise. He always gives 100% effort. He appreciates the game and is grateful for his abilities. True class act & always will be a superstar!

[@dmitryowens]

I was never a Russ fan until he joined the Lakers, but after watching him and how intensely he played game after game, he became one of my favorite players and I was always defending him against the biased haters trying to scapegoat him.

[@J-Hue]

Sounds like the interviewer tried to bait Russ here. KD was clearly defending Russ, but the interviewer left it as ambiguous as possible to try and get something spicy from Russ.

[@hiphop2u]

God bless this man. 1 of 1. One of the most electrifying players to watch of all time.

[@romualdkoudou7487]

You are so right Russ. We know who you are and what you brought and still bringing. F the haters!! Legend!!❤❤

[@SayuriEra]

Love what you expressed and how you feel about yourself. ❤

[@chuexsy672]

Coming from a Suns fan, I got all the respect for Russ. Impeccable athlete. I’m a casual fan too. But even I can see that he is one of a kind. I’ve seen Book brick many of shots, I’ve also seen him not be able to miss. It happens to all these guys. That doesn’t take away from their skill and athletic prowess. I wish the best for this man 💪💪💪.

[@stat638]

Put some Respect on his NAME!

[@Aizen5694]

So humble

[@mrudhul696]

The sound quality is just awesome.

[@richardsrt88]

Russ is a legend

[@a-j.2002]

He's so nice. Truly, the guy gets a consistent 45-35-80 split and the kind of defense he shows once in a while a little more often... We're talking GOAT material.

[@Twomps]

Goat tier is a crazy reach

[@UNKNWN96]

I love Russ but you’re yoga stretching this lmao

[@supraa18]

Thats an inspiration right here. Keep going 💪🏼

[@anthonybanks4958]

True that Sir, continued success & Blessings!!!

[@Karma-cj1wu]

Bro why ty lue sounds like russ tf 😂

[@KingMannTV]

Nothing but LOVE for Westbrook!! The real ones know he is a standup man!!! 💯

[@keithcharles8214]

Beautiful response Russ!❤

[@romesyoutubechannel5356]

Very well put.

[@silvercat6425]

I respect Russ over LeBron any day ,he never change is personality for nobody

[@anthonyjefferson3941]

He lead the Washington Wizards to the playoffs people forget that

[@ethandaniel8123]

So humble…. 💯

[@sppcc2006]

I am glad to see him having fun.

[@colinforsecs3393]

To be honest after the series I've gained alot of respect for Westbrook. The other 2 guys basically quit and for a player to put in that much and give everything he had for the team he barely knew speaks volumes to me.

[@chief8079]

Kawhi didn’t quit lmao TF he was legitimately injured

[@colinforsecs3393]

@@chief8079 BS..

[@chief8079]

@@colinforsecs3393 torn meniscus isn’t something to take lightly

[@colinforsecs3393]

@@chief8079 If it's true..I'd like to see the actual MRI. This dude's history can't be ignored anymore

[@Zawaelom]

@@colinforsecs3393 keep assuming even if the facts say otherwise,he is injured and it is unfortunate.

[@goudjomichel]

Another aspect that people underestimate a lot in today's sport is his AVAILABILITY!!! RARELY INJURED AND ALWAYS GIVING HIS 100%

[@meka9493]

He look so happy now all in his face is just beautiful so proud of you.

[@johnnyrodes2173]

This year changed my view of Russ. Respect!

[@jonhardin.]

Russell Westbrook is probably the most competitive basketball player we’ve ever seen. Can’t deny his talent and heart. No matter how many bricks he throws up, how many turnovers he has.. he’s been in the NBA for over 10 years and has done things that a small percentage of human kind will ever do.

[@kjaykingMVP]

Just make the layup and tie the game fam 🫤🥱🤦‍♂️ Stay blessed after he been missing all night

[@Joshua-qc1li]

Niggas hate for anything

[@beyondthesurface8446]

Relax kid

[@meech7520]

...as you sit on your couch eating cookies.

[@sammyslam1]

Yea that was a tough missed shot but i'm sorry, all you can ask from players is that they play hard, give great effort, and compete at the highest level. I just don't see how this is being missed by today's fans who complain so much about availability from stars and who question effort from today's player? Russell Westbrook to me embodies what we should be celebrating in sports! This man made $44 and $47 mil over the last two seasons and despite being in his 14th and 15th seasons, he "chose" to play despite numerous minor or nagging injuries and not so home friendly fans who booed, hissed, and shouted "nooo" on open shot attempts. Rather than shutting down, demanding a trade, demanding the offense be changed to favor his style of play, demanding to be rested or load managed like his more favored teammates, he went out there and tried to help his teammates win key games without it's two top stars. Oh well, i guess that's just the way it is.....i am a huge Russell Westbrook fan and wish he could have remained on my Lakers for the more beneficial part of the schedule to end the season but i thought he played very well under Coach Ty Lue's direction and leadership. I would still love to see a Lakers vs Clippers WCF while LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard are in Laker and Clipper uniforms respectively. Maybe next season?

[@vincentgarland4182]

I Love how he responded, Go Russ!!

[@jaysonmiraflor]

very humble and hard working

[@justussdad426]

It’s a difference between having turnovers and missed shots like everyone else and being one of the worst at both of those things

[@justussdad426]

I don’t know where you got your stats from you posted but Westbrook is 3.53 a game IN 2022/23 SEASON. That’s top 5 behind jokic, luka, gianis, and trae young. He shooting 43% from the field, 31% from 3 and 65% from the line. Idk where those rank but I’ll bet my house it’s way closer to the bottom than the top. I don’t need fox or ESPN to tell me he bad with turnovers or shooting. I have league pass. I watch the games

[@XxHistorikxX]

Wholesome, likeable guy. Love to see him thriving.

[@hope6571]

I truly believe Russell Westbrook will be my favorite player forever. I love him for his gifts and all of his flaws, all of them. He is getting older now and his game is slowly changing, but that dude from the OKC darting into the pain and dunking like a maniac always kept me on the edge of my seat. Love him or hate him Westbrook was never out of shape, was never lazy, every night he brought 120% energy, he never complained when he was taking all the blame, always backed up his teammates and he never ever looked for the easy way to get things done, unlike so many other superstars. It wasn't good for him that past year but I know he will get over it, like he did so many times in his life already.

[@sharecroptillyoudrop]

The Energizer Bunny. He never stops. Leaves it all on the floor. Every time. Tough. Intrepid. Blue collar. I admire his game, love watching him play. A credit to the NBA.

[@owok7255]

Proud of Russ.. he gets to much criticism for a guy who play the hardest ❤❤ much love

[@enlightenme3673]

I've always been a huge Westbrook critic, basketball-wise. These were some fair and thoughtful comments. Russ belongs in the HOF and is also a polarizing player and a respectable man. It'll all be a part of his legacy and that's fair. Like many players that I had issues with during their careers, I'll probably appreciate him more when he's gone.

[@matthewpoon5402]

great response!

[@brandonjohnson355]

We appreciate you Russell simple as that and for those who hate on this man yall know wat yall can do f... off I stand 10 toes down on that

[@jennifercooper4981]

Truly, God bless you Russell, Westbrook 👏🏽🙏🏿🏀