CULTURE

Footer Column 2

Footer Legal

Footer Main

Nav Bar

OTHER

SPORTS

Topics

Subscribe, at any level, to play

Thanks for your interest in Defector Crosswords!

Become a subscriber today to get unlimited access

Thanks for reading!

Plans start at $8/month.

Subscribers enjoy unlimited, ad-free browsing.

Register to continue

Or click here to subscribe for unlimited, ad-free access!

Our gift to you: This year's post is unlocked. Register your email to get even more free articles.

Welcome to the 2025 Hater's Guide!

Just register your email:

This blog is free to read.

This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

Patrick Redford

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: Doug Christie head coach of the Sacramento Kings claps on the sideline during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Golden 1 Center on March 10, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kelley L Cox/Getty Images)

The Sacramento Kings Can’t Even Lose On Purpose

Kings head coach Doug Christie looking confused.

The Kings Are An Abomination

Tom Ley

Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates after a three point basket during the third quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the LA Clippers at Ball Arena on April 29, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Journalismism

Nobody Can Do That

Russell Westbrook (4) of the Denver Nuggets goes berzerk after dunking and taking a technical for hanging on the rim theatrically during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 120-101 series-clinching win over the LA Clippers at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The Denver Nuggets defeated the LA Clippers 4-3 in their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.

Nikola Jokic’s Friends Showed Up When He Needed Them Most

Ray Ratto

DENVER, CO - APRIL 19: Russell Westbrook (4) of the Denver Nuggets pushes the ball in transition as Ben Simmons (25) of the LA Clippers defends during the third quarter of the Nuggets' 112-110 overtime win at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

There Is No Getting Off The Russell Westbrook Rollercoaster

Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets fouls Nickeil Alexander-Walker #9 of the Minnesota Timberwolves on a three point attempt as time expires in the double overtime period resulting in a game winning free throw by Alexander-Walker at Ball Arena on April 1, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Noooo, Russell Westbrook, Don’t Do That! Nooooo, Don’t Do That Either!

DENVER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 02: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets passes the ball to Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets in the first half at Ball Arena on November 2, 2024, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Russell Westbrook Is Enjoying The Nikola Jokic School For Wayward Careers

<p>Staff Writer</p>
<p>Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19</p>


Chris Thompson

Russell Westbrook Is Just The Man To Salvage Dignity In Defeat

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 16: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers blocks the shot by Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns, winning Round One Game One of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2023 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE

Russell Westbrook Is Always Himself

Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers speaks in front of Kawhi Leonard #2, Marcus Morris Sr. #8, Ivica Zubac #40 and Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers during a 108-101 Minnesota Timberwolves win at Crypto.com Arena on February 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Clippers Don’t Feel So Good

At Last, The Lakers And Russell Westbrook Are Kaput

Russell Westbrook watches from the sidelines.

How Long Will The Lakers Delay The Inevitable?

Giri Nathan

Russell Westbrook bricks a jumper late in Lakers-Blazers as teammates Anthony Davis and LeBron James wave their hands in frustration.

LeBron James “Not Up Here” To Talk About Russell Westbrook After Lakers Loss

Russell Westbrook watches from the bench.

Russell Westbrook Has “Great Game,” Makes Zero Shots In Lakers Loss

The Lakers try to huddle with Russell Westbrook

Lakers Demonstrate Enhanced Camaraderie In Preseason Loss

Make Russell Westbrook The Backup To Patrick Beverley, You Cowards

Albert Burneko

Russell Westbrook, Kent Bazemore, DJ Augustin (Los Angeles Lakers)

Maybe Russell Westbrook Knows It’s Over

Maitreyi Anantharaman

LeBron James #6 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on from the bench during the second half of a game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on April 03, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

The Lakers Head Coach Job Is Only Good For One Thing

The Lakers Have An Opening For A Fall Guy

The Lakers Are Now All But Dead

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 27: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts as he attempts to layup against CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on February 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Nobody Likes The Lakers

Luis Paez-Pumar

Russell Westbrook #0 and head coach Frank Vogel watch play during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 04, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.