NBA

NBA News: Rasheed Wallace had head-scratching takes about LeBron James, Russell Westbrook

Now an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, Rasheed Wallace once shared some questionable and interesting takes about Russell Westbrook and LeBron James,

LeBron James and Russell Westbrook
Ā© Harry How/Getty ImagesLeBron James and Russell Westbrook

The Los Angeles Lakers are taking small steps to fix the mess they got themselves into. They hired Darvin Ham to replace Frank Vogel and now are about to add Rasheed Wallace to his coaching staff.

Wallace will bring in another defensive-oriented veteran to the bench. His impact is expected to go way beyond just shouting ā€œBall Don’t Lieā€ at the referees after every missed free throw, but actually pick the players’ brains and make them better.

Still, Wallace has had some interesting takes about two of the Lakers stars in the past. For starters, he once claimed that LeBron James wouldn’t dominate in his era, and later called Russell Westbrook the best player in the NBA.

Advertisement

Rasheed Wallace Said LeBron James Wouldn’t Dominate In His Era

ā€œHe probably would’ve done good with his physical stature, with him being bigger than the majority of the rest of the players. So he probably would’ve held his own, but I don’t think he would be as successful as he is now. It’s a whole different era back then. I couldn’t necessarily say that he would’ve been a beast, but I think he would’ve held his own,ā€ Wallace said.

Wallace Also Called Russell Westbrook The Best Player In The World

ā€œDid anybody else just read those numbers that was put up?ā€ he asked. ā€œI mean, goodness gracious, this man is right now — I gotta say, Russ is the best player in the NBA right now. That’s no disrespect to KD, and Kyrie and LeBron. But, aye, right now… what this kid is doing?ā€ Wallace said.

Advertisement

It’s funny how life can come at you fast, especially in the internet era. No one is safe and people will hold you accountable for your words. Sometimes, the context won’t even matter at all.

It’ll be interesting to see whether Wallace still feels the same way about Westbrook and LeBron at this point in their careers. But regardless of personal preference, all that matters is that he and Ham find a way to turn this team around.

Advertisement
ALSO READ
Where to watch San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Lakers live in the USA: 2025/2026 NBA regular season
NBA

Where to watch San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Lakers live in the USA: 2025/2026 NBA regular season

LeBron James has clear message about Luka Doncic as JJ Redick shows frustration with Lakers’ offense
NBA

LeBron James has clear message about Luka Doncic as JJ Redick shows frustration with Lakers’ offense

Best regular-season records in NBA history: Teams that set the basketball standard
NBA

Best regular-season records in NBA history: Teams that set the basketball standard

Kings’ Russell Westbrook makes history as he surpasses a Lakers legend on the NBA’s all-time list
NBA

Kings’ Russell Westbrook makes history as he surpasses a Lakers legend on the NBA’s all-time list

Better Collective Logo