The Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Phoenix Suns in summer league action on Friday.
A number of prominent figures from the purple and gold were in attendance, including: LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and Darvin Ham.
Unfortunately, what should have been a chill evening took an ugly turn when Lakers fans started to chant an insulting three-word message.
The fact that Russell Westbrook had to sit there and take it was particularly brutal.
“We want Kyrie,” the crowd yelled.
Crowd chanting “we want Kyrie” w/ Russ in the building lmaooo
— Control….What You Can Control (@IamKing_RL) July 9, 2022
He’s literally hearing “We Want Kyrie” chants from the Laker crowd
I know he’s hurting
— Todd Lerfondler (@LerfondlerNBA) July 9, 2022
Nothing will top the 2019 offseason in terms of drama.
But “We Want Kyrie” chants at a Lakers Summer League game while LeBron and Westbrook are sitting at opposite ends of the arena is hysterical
— Josh Toussaint (@josh2saint) July 9, 2022
And then fans chanting “WE WANT KYRIE” while russ just sitting there😂
— #THAONE (@wpchris10) July 9, 2022
Laker fans chanting “we want Kyrie” with Russ in the building is cold blooded lmao
— ً (@burlywoodboy) July 9, 2022
Just an unreal level of disrespect.
Obviously any trade for Kyrie Irving would result in Westbrook being dealt away. So to chant that you essentially don’t want him, to his face, is the ultimate shot at Westbrook.
It goes without saying that Westbrook’s time in L.A. has been mired by controversy. He has feuded with coaches. He has feuded with fans. It has been ugly.
But basic common decency still exists.
The Lakers are obviously very interested in acquiring Irving. A general framework for a prospective swap exists.
Presently two players are blocking the deal from happening, but the hope is that it will eventually work out. The San Antonio Spurs could expedite the whole thing, though it’s unlikely they’ll want to help Los Angeles.
Yikes Tommy Fury. https://t.co/FCjf9yH1wS
— Game 7 (@game7__) July 9, 2022
Either way, there is a certain sense of inevitability around something getting done.
As made clear by the chants on Friday night, though – this trade can’t possibly happen soon enough.
All sides are tired of things as they currently are and desperately want to move on.
Related: Brooklyn Nets Shocked At Lack Of Interest In Kevin Durant Trade?
Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
