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[Saba Sports News] Damian Lillard recently shared some candid insights about fellow NBA star Russell Westbrook during an appearance on the ‘Club 520’ podcast. Reflecting on his early years in the league, Lillard described Westbrook as a “bully” on the court, recounting how the former MVP would relentlessly try to score on him, often frustrating his teammate Kevin Durant.
“In my first five to six years, he was the bully… I remember when I was a rookie, he used to try to give me 50 every time. He’d be shooting on me so much that [Kevin Durant] would be getting mad, like, ‘Pass the ball!’” Lillard said.
Lillard’s comments highlight the intense rivalry that once existed between him and Westbrook. Though the two are now on better terms, their early matchups were fierce, with Lillard even referring to Westbrook as his “arch nemesis” at one point. Over time, the rivalry cooled, but Westbrook’s reputation as a fierce and relentless competitor remains intact.
Westbrook, who was drafted 4th overall in 2008, quickly established himself as a dominant force in the NBA, known for his aggressive, ball-dominant style of play. During his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder alongside Durant, Westbrook’s tendency to take a high volume of shots often sparked debate, especially given Durant’s status as the team’s best player.
Despite leading the Thunder to the NBA Finals in 2012 and achieving significant individual success, Westbrook was often criticized for his role in Durant’s decision to leave the team in 2016. While Durant never publicly blamed Westbrook, it was widely speculated that their on-court dynamics played a part in his departure.
Today, Westbrook’s legacy as one of the defining point guards of his era is secure, though opinions are divided on how he compares to other greats like Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, and Lillard himself. His relentless drive has fueled his success but also created friction with those around him.