LeBron James Reacts to Russell Westbrook News on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Dec 28, 2025 6:58 PM ET

Russell Westbrook’s resurgence with the Sacramento Kings has been one of the notable developments of the 2025-26 NBA season. After a difficult stretch late in his career, the veteran guard has remained productive in a featured role.

Westbrook is averaging 14.6 points, 7.2 assists and 6.8 rebounds per game, while continuing to function as one of Sacramento’s primary playmakers. His consistency has drawn renewed respect around the league, even as the Kings have struggled in the standings.

That appreciation follows several challenging seasons, most notably his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. Westbrook’s stint alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis failed to meet expectations, with fit issues and inconsistent results preventing the trio from contending. His departure from Los Angeles became the defining chapter of the late-career adversity he has since worked to move past.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) and former guard Russell Westbrook (0).Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Fast forward to Saturday, and Westbrook reminded the NBA world why he remains an all-time great, this time surpassing a former Lakers’ guard for a career milestone. In Sacramento’s 113-107 win over the Dallas Mavericks, he finished with 21 points and nine assists. His second assist of the first quarter was the 10,142nd of his career, moving him past Lakers’ Magic Johnson (10,141) for seventh on the NBA’s all-time assists list.

Only John Stockton, Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, James, Steve Nash and Mark Jackson now remain ahead of Westbrook. The achievement adds to a résumé that already includes an NBA MVP award, nine All-Star selections, multiple All-NBA honors. Westbrook also became just the 14th player in league history to record 2,000 career steals on Saturday.

With the Kings now set to face the Lakers on Sunday, Westbrook’s milestone drew praises from his former teammate James hours before tip-off. The four-time MVP reacted to a fan post labeling Westbrook an all-time great, responding on X with “fax” and “flower” emojis, a gesture of respect and acknowledgment of Westbrook’s achievement.

!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 28, 2025

Westbrook himself acknowledged the feat after the game. He described passing Johnson as “an honor,” noting that the Lakers legend is “one of the greats” the game has ever seen (via NBA).

The 18-year veteran will now have his eyes set on Sacramento’s visit to Crypto.com Arena to face his former team. The Kings enter the matchup seeking its second straight win, while the Lakers look to snap a three-game losing streak. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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