Russell Westbrook and former teammate Kendrick Perkins aren’t on good speaking terms following Perkins’s comments on ESPN about Russell that the Lakers should trade him.
It’s reported that Russell and his wife aren’t speaking to Perkins. They are obviously peeved by Perkins’ comments about him and doesn’t want to associate with him again.
According to SI;
Unfortunately for Perkins, some analysis he’s given as part of his new job has damaged some relationships that he’s had with former teammates.
The notable relationship that he’s been working on repairing recently is his friendship with Lakers guard Russell Westbrook. Perkins spoke with The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast to explain the situation.
“I’m actually working on getting my relationship back with one of my brothers who was very, very upset, Russell Westbrook,” Perkins began.
“I defended Russell Westbrook for years, and this year he struggled and it was a topic that came up on First Take and they asked out of the big three with the Lakers, which one would you trade… for me, it was Russell Westbrook,” Perkins said.
“His wife actually reached out to my wife and with a long text message… she said, ‘My kids finally got him back home [after being with the Wizards] and we’re so happy that he’s back home’ and things of that nature, and it really messed me up… I reached back out to her and sent her a long, heartfelt message and said the one thing about it is that I would never disrespect your family, we’re talking about the game of basketball, and you know I’m one of Russell Westbrook’s biggest supporters.”
According to Perkins, despite apologizing to Russell Westbrook, he hasn’t responded back to the apology. Their friendship is sinking due to Perkins’ newfound career. Russell should understand that Perkins is doing his job as an analyst.
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