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.
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.
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.