Russell Westbrook gets into shouting match with fan late in Clippers loss
Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook got into a heated exchange with a fan during Monday night's home game against the Denver Nuggets, with a referee, two security guards and several players quickly moving to calm the tensions.
The incident occurred in the final minute of the game, a 113-104 Clippers loss.
Referee Lauren Holtkamp came over and stood between Westbrook and the male fan in the second row of seats near midcourt as two members of the Crypto.com Arena security staff arrived moments later.
"I’m not going to speak on it because it’s not appropriate," Westbrook said when asked what the fan shouted at him.
Westbrook does have a history of conflicts with fans, though not usually in his own home arena.
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Last season, Westbrook and a Phoenix Suns fan got into a shouting match during the Clippers’ playoff series in Phoenix. In December 2022 as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, he had another angry exchange with a fan sitting courtside in Milwaukee.
"It’s unfortunate today fans can say whatever they want," Westbrook said Monday night. "I’m just protecting myself. Personally, I won’t allow it. I won’t stand for it."