Just add Austin Reaves to the latest list of players who do admire deeply the sincerity and brotherhood image of Russell Westbrook.
In his appearance on the latest episode of “All The Smoke”, Reaves named Westbrook as one of the best teammates he ever had in his career as he also shared a touching story of how the star guard has shown concern to him back in the COVID-stricken 2021-22 season.
“He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had. As a person, you can’t get much better,” he said. “I got Covid in December of my rookie year in Minnesota. I was stuck in Minnesota for seven days, so it was rough.
“He reached out like three or four times like, ‘If you need anything.’ Offered to send me stuff that I needed. As a person, you couldn’t get much better. Same as a teammate, he was always empowering everybody to be better, do better and want more.”
Westbrook might have been unfairly subjected to the Lakers’ nightmarish 2021-22 season, but his personality is truly a real one for that appreciative act he handed to Reaves.
And despite the fact that he was ultimately traded by the Lakers in midseason of 2022-23, coach Darvin Ham was all praise for the sacrifice, dedication, and professionalism that the future hall of famer has shown that helped them to accomplish a compelling finish that saw them reaching the Conference Finals.
The 34-year-old All-Star might have been one of the most polarizing players ever due to his ball-dominant play style, but he still carved that indelibly solid impression amongst his former teammates that no one – even fans and critics – can ever erase.
