Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Featured > Lakers News: Russell Westbrook Didn’t Attend NBA 75 Ceremony To Celebrate His Mom’s Birthday
FeaturedLakers News

Lakers News: Russell Westbrook Didn’t Attend NBA 75 Ceremony To Celebrate His Mom’s Birthday

Matt Peralta
Published: 02/25/2022
3 Min Read
Russell Westbrook, Lakers
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
SHARE

Even though his first year with the Los Angeles Lakers has not gone as planned, no one can deny the great career Russell Westbrook has had so far.

The former NBA MVP has struggled to find his footing in his hometown of Los Angeles but has had moments that reminded fans why the Lakers gave up so much to acquire him. For his accomplishments, Westbrook was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team, although he did not attend the celebration in Cleveland during All-Star Weekend.

Westbrook revealed he did not watch the ceremony, instead choosing to be present with his mom for her birthday. “I did not watch it,” Westbrook said. “My mom’s birthday. I was celebrating with my mom, which to me was most important. But I didn’t watch it. I was dancing on the dance floor with my mom. I’d rather be doing that than anything else in the world, especially on her birthday.

“I missed her birthday for the last three or four years because of COVID and a bunch of other things. So to have this opportunity to finally be home for her birthday was meaningful for me. I stayed home to do that and super grateful to be a part of the top 75. It’s unfortunate I couldn’t make it to Cleveland.”

With how the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic made visiting family difficult, it makes sense why Westbrook would forego watching the NBA 75 program. Still, for what he has done since entering the league he deserved a spot on the team.

However, Westbrook now faces the challenge of trying to right the ship with the Lakers as they try to make a late-season push to climb higher in the playoff standings. Head coach Frank Vogel has been pleased with his play following the trade deadline, and hopefully that continues for the remainder of the year.

Westbrook reveals Vogel’s message to Lakers

It has been tough for Los Angeles to generate much positive momentum, but the team has remained confident in themselves. As far as what Vogel told the Lakers at their recent practice, Westbrook noted the coach wanted them to keep their energy and spirits forward-facing.

“Just keeping our energy in the right direction. Basically, making sure that we have positive energy and keep our minds. Making sure we have the same mindset in the last week or so before the break.”

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Los Angeles LakersRussell Westbrook
ByMatt Peralta
Matt was born and raised in Long Beach, Calif. and is a lifelong Lakers fan. Because of his love for basketball and the Lakers, Matt successfully pursued a degree in journalism at California State University, Long Beach (#GoBeach) and is now a Staff Writer for LakersNation.com. He is also a Staff Writer for RamsNewsWire.com and RaidersNewsWire.com. Contact: mattp@mediumlargela.com Twitter: @_MatthewPeralta Instagram: @matthewperalta
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?