NBA fans have been claiming that Russell Westbrook was ‘hiding’ from LeBron James in the Los Angeles Lakers’ win over the LA Clippers on WednesdayCredit: X/LADEig

Westbrook stood under the basket as James dapped it up with Clippers stars right before tip-offCredit: X/LADEig

Westbrook, 34, faced James and Co. for the second time since the Lakers traded him away halfway through the 2022-23 season.

The 2017 NBA MVP left the Purple and Gold after a nightmare year-and-a-half stint.

The Lakers faithful turned on the California native for his poor play and questionable attitude, leading to claims his family was even being harassed at the height of the conflict.

Westbrook was also said to have fallen out with his teammates having seemingly not been on the same page when it came to winning.

The nine-time All-Star fuelled the rumors on Wednesday before the first game of the Lakers-Clippers season series tipped off.

A video emerged on social media that showed James “dapping up every Clipper except Russ” at the midcourt line.

But fans quickly pointed out that the four-time NBA champion didn’t greet his ex-teammate because he stood far away from him, waiting under the basket until LeBron he said hi to everybody.

“You mean Russ was hiding under the basket,” one responded.

“Russ was down the block,” another said.

“Russ was hiding, that’s on him,” a third wrote.

“Bron’s not running over to the end line to dap him up lol,” one added.

It’s not the first time James and Westbrook’s relationship appeared to be broken.

During the 2022 offseason, while he was still on the Lakers, the 6-foot-4 guard and the 19-time All-Star didn’t acknowledge each other’s presence at a Las Vegas Summer League game.

Both Purple and Gold stars sat on the opposite side of the court at Thomas & Mack Center as they cheered on their younger teammates.

Westbrook also seemingly taunted James by pointing at him after scoring over the four-time MVP when he donned the Clippers jersey for the first time in a clash with the Lakers last season.

LeBron logged 35 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists on a mind-blowing 68.4% shooting in Wednesday’s overtime win.

Westbrook finished the night with 24 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and four steals.