Russell Westbrook was having a great run in his career, but things took a turn while he was with the Los Angeles Lakers . Enes Kanter Freedom argues that it wasn't merely bad luck or a drop in performance, he became the scapegoat on a team led by LeBron James .
Was Westbrook genuinely to blame, or did the Lakers' dynamics and LeBron's influence hinder one of the most dynamic guards of his generation? The narrative of his decline is certainly worth exploring.
Enes Kanter Freedom blames Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James for Russell Westbrook’s Career DeclineEnes Kanter Freedom was teammates with Russell Westbrook on the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2015 to 2018. He has pointed fingers at the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James for ruining Westbrook's career by turning him into a scapegoat.
In his Lazy Intellectuals podcast, Kanter Freedom stated, “It all started with Lakers. Look at his career as soon as he went to Lakers... if you’re playing with someone like Lebron and if the season fails then you need some kind of scapegoat. Um I think that year they picked Russell Westbrook as a scapegoat. After that look at his career right now... this guy unfortunately can’t even find a team to play right now it's tough.”
He added that the scapegoating affected Westbrook mentally, noting, “I think so... people were just calling some very hard names some nicknames I don't even want to repeat it I feel bad... he got a lot of kids.”
Kanter Freedom talked to the podcast host about how the blame fell on Westbrook even though the whole team struggled, which hurt his reputation and confidence. This is similar to what he said in 2018 when he praised Westbrook, telling Basketball Forever, “He’s the type of guy that makes himself and everyone else around him better.”
Lakers sign Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard to strengthen championship hopesOn August 6, 2021, Russell Westbrook was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Los Angeles Lakers, teaming up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in an effort to create a championship contender following the Lakers' title win in 2020. The team also brought in veterans such as Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard, which increases the hopes for a successful season.
The season concluded in disappointment, with the Lakers ending up 33-49 and placing 11th in the Western Conference, thus missing the playoffs altogether.
In the 2021-22 season, Westbrook put up an average of 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game, but his playing style didn't mesh well with the team's overall vibe. LeBron James took on the role of the main playmaker, while Anthony Davis was the go-to second option, which restricted Westbrook's ability to handle the ball and play aggressively.
Critics noted his efficiency issues, which were evident in his 29.8% shooting from three-point range and an average of 3.8 turnovers per game, especially as the team faced challenges like injuries and poor chemistry.
Midway through the 2022-23 season, Westbrook got traded to the Utah Jazz and was eventually bought out.
Russell Westbrook’s Career Trajectory after leaving Los Angeles LakersAfter parting ways with the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell Westbrook joined the Los Angeles Clippers in 2023, where he played for a season and a half, primarily as a bench player. He then signed a two-year veteran minimum deal with the Denver Nuggets for the 2024-25 season, participating in 75 games and averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game.
As of 2025, with the NBA preseason starting up, the 36-year-old Westbrook is still an unsigned free agent for the upcoming 2025-26 season. People are saying he might join the Milwaukee Bucks or get back together with Kevin Durant on the Houston Rockets, but he hasn't secured a deal yet.
Enes Kanter Freedom describes LeBron James as literally the dictator of the NBAEnes Kanter Freedom's statements follow his trend of targeting LeBron James. In a July 2024 interview highlighted by Fox News, he claimed that Bronny James was selected by the Lakers thanks to his father, stating, “The reason that he got drafted was because of LeBron. The reason JJ Redick is the coach is because of LeBron.” He has called James “literally, like the dictator of the NBA,” claiming major free agents avoid him due to his controlling nature.
https://x.com/ArtOfDialogue_/status/1812672651460055545
Kanter Freedom, having retired in 2023, utilizes his platform for commentary, often highlighting the differences between James' influence and his own activism.
Nonetheless, James still stands out as a key figure at 40, with four championship titles to his name.
Also Read: NBA analyst slams San Antonio Spurs for wasting Victor Wembanyama on a roster that can’t shoot
Was Westbrook genuinely to blame, or did the Lakers' dynamics and LeBron's influence hinder one of the most dynamic guards of his generation? The narrative of his decline is certainly worth exploring.
Enes Kanter Freedom blames Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James for Russell Westbrook’s Career DeclineEnes Kanter Freedom was teammates with Russell Westbrook on the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2015 to 2018. He has pointed fingers at the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James for ruining Westbrook's career by turning him into a scapegoat.
In his Lazy Intellectuals podcast, Kanter Freedom stated, “It all started with Lakers. Look at his career as soon as he went to Lakers... if you’re playing with someone like Lebron and if the season fails then you need some kind of scapegoat. Um I think that year they picked Russell Westbrook as a scapegoat. After that look at his career right now... this guy unfortunately can’t even find a team to play right now it's tough.”
Enes Freedom blames LeBron for Russ being jobless
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 9, 2025
“If you play with someone like LeBron, it’s all about LeBron. And if the season fails, then you need some kind of scapegoat….After that, look at his career—this guy can’t even find a team right now”
pic.twitter.com/ZzToyk0igH
He added that the scapegoating affected Westbrook mentally, noting, “I think so... people were just calling some very hard names some nicknames I don't even want to repeat it I feel bad... he got a lot of kids.”
Kanter Freedom talked to the podcast host about how the blame fell on Westbrook even though the whole team struggled, which hurt his reputation and confidence. This is similar to what he said in 2018 when he praised Westbrook, telling Basketball Forever, “He’s the type of guy that makes himself and everyone else around him better.”
Lakers sign Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard to strengthen championship hopesOn August 6, 2021, Russell Westbrook was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Los Angeles Lakers, teaming up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in an effort to create a championship contender following the Lakers' title win in 2020. The team also brought in veterans such as Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard, which increases the hopes for a successful season.
The season concluded in disappointment, with the Lakers ending up 33-49 and placing 11th in the Western Conference, thus missing the playoffs altogether.
In the 2021-22 season, Westbrook put up an average of 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game, but his playing style didn't mesh well with the team's overall vibe. LeBron James took on the role of the main playmaker, while Anthony Davis was the go-to second option, which restricted Westbrook's ability to handle the ball and play aggressively.
Critics noted his efficiency issues, which were evident in his 29.8% shooting from three-point range and an average of 3.8 turnovers per game, especially as the team faced challenges like injuries and poor chemistry.
Midway through the 2022-23 season, Westbrook got traded to the Utah Jazz and was eventually bought out.
Russell Westbrook’s Career Trajectory after leaving Los Angeles LakersAfter parting ways with the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell Westbrook joined the Los Angeles Clippers in 2023, where he played for a season and a half, primarily as a bench player. He then signed a two-year veteran minimum deal with the Denver Nuggets for the 2024-25 season, participating in 75 games and averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game.
As of 2025, with the NBA preseason starting up, the 36-year-old Westbrook is still an unsigned free agent for the upcoming 2025-26 season. People are saying he might join the Milwaukee Bucks or get back together with Kevin Durant on the Houston Rockets, but he hasn't secured a deal yet.
Enes Kanter Freedom describes LeBron James as literally the dictator of the NBAEnes Kanter Freedom's statements follow his trend of targeting LeBron James. In a July 2024 interview highlighted by Fox News, he claimed that Bronny James was selected by the Lakers thanks to his father, stating, “The reason that he got drafted was because of LeBron. The reason JJ Redick is the coach is because of LeBron.” He has called James “literally, like the dictator of the NBA,” claiming major free agents avoid him due to his controlling nature.
https://x.com/ArtOfDialogue_/status/1812672651460055545
Kanter Freedom, having retired in 2023, utilizes his platform for commentary, often highlighting the differences between James' influence and his own activism.
Nonetheless, James still stands out as a key figure at 40, with four championship titles to his name.
Also Read: NBA analyst slams San Antonio Spurs for wasting Victor Wembanyama on a roster that can’t shoot
You may also like
Jockey Oisin Murphy reveals all about 'scariest five minutes' of record career
Justin Bieber shares new pictures of son as he stuns in a colorful outfit
PMs condemn terror in all its forms and manifestations
England hammer sorry Wales as records tumble in Wembley rout - 5 talking points
Celebrity Traitors fans fume as Alan Carr 'kills off' favourite in shock first elimination
