Los Angeles Clippers star guard Russell Westbrook engaged in a comical argument with an opposing fan wearing a balloon hat during Sunday night’s road tilt against the Charlotte Hornets.
Barstool Sports’ Dan Katz pointed out the absurdity of the situation.
“Russ has to take a step back and realize he’s arguing with a grown man wearing a balloon hat,” Katz tweeted Sunday night.
Russ has to take a step back and realize he’s arguing with a grown man wearing a balloon hat https://t.co/FSoVNKrNUC
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) April 1, 2024
Russ is hilarious. Over the course of an up-and-down 16-year career, he’s established himself as one of this millennium’s most lasting stars. He’s the NBA’s all-time leader in triple doubles. He’s a nine-time all-star. The 2016-2017 league MVP. And yet still, he engages in silly beefs with fans on a seemingly nightly basis.
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 17: Russell Westbrook #0 of Team LeBron is interviewed for the upcoming 2018 NBA All-Star game during Media Day at the Verizon Up Arena at LACC on February 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 09: Basketball player Russell Westbrook is interviewed backstage at the Nolcha Fashion Week New York Spring Collections 2015 during NY Fashion Week at Eyebeam 540 West 21st Street on September 9, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for Nolcha Fashion Week)
I used to hate on Russ hardcore. Then he joined my Los Angeles Clippers. He’s the type of player you love to have on your team and hate him if he’s not. I have to tip my hat to him, he volunteered to take a bench role after the arrival of his former (and then current again) teammate, James Harden, demonstrating a significant amount of growth and maturity. But then he jumps back to moments like these reminding us the silly little boy is still in there somewhere. (RELATED: Talk About Loyalty! NBA Superstar Took The Biggest Pay Cut In League History To Stay With His Team)
I don’t begrudge Westbrook getting upset. But given both his history and his reputation, he’s got to be the bigger man here. Again, Russ, you’re arguing with a grown man in a balloon hat. He’s probably hammered. He’s not worth your energy.
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 25: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets as he drives to the basket in the first half of the game at Crypto.com Arena on December 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 05: Russell Westbrook #0 and James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers stand during free throws in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 05, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 05: James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers reacts with Russell Westbrook #0 after drawing a foul on a three-pointer against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on February 05, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Throughout Westbrook’s long and storied career there’s been one thing eluding him: a championship. He made it to the NBA Finals with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012, falling to LeBron James‘ Miami Heat in five games. He hasn’t been back since. Russ, I say this to you, let’s ignore the noise and focus on a ring. This Clippers team is as talented as anyone in the league. The best way to burst balloon boy’s bubble is with a fat shiny ring.