This has probably been the most challenging season of Russell Westbrook's 14-year career in the NBA. Teaming up with Anthony Davis and the Lakers was not a good idea. Playing in Los Angeles has affected him on and off the court because of his weaknesses on the court. Fans and media have been critical of the game. Fans feel comfortable enough to approach him on the street and criticize him for his actions.
The NBA fans seem to get more arrogant every year. In the last couple of years, we have seen some of the most disrespectful incidents in arenas around the league. A fan threw popcorn at Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook during a first-round playoff game in Philadelphia last season. A Knicks fan spit on Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young during the playoffs.
Most people don't have a problem with teasing, including players. When fans start throwing things and spitting at players, they are two-stepping all over it. Even one incident like any of these is too much for a majority of fans.
The guy is recording himself trashing the other guy on the street. I'm not sure if this guy would have done the same thing, but you never know. Some people are just looking for a viral moment, and that's all they care about.
The NBA has done a good job of banning fans who get too close to players in arenas, but there isn't much they can do in a situation like the one in Toronto. The guy's voice is not known. The brief altercations can quickly get out of hand. Russ walked away before things got out of hand.
Love for your team can be too much. You don't want to see something like this because with the wrong player, on the wrong day, we could be talking about a much more serious encounter than what happened in Toronto. It feels like some of these fans are just trying to get one of the pro athletes to assault them so that they can make a lot of money.
At some point, the NBA might need to consider moving the first row back a bit, since fans are on the floor during games. Fans fighting players won't get the league. The Malice at the Palace didn't end well for anyone involved. In November, two fans were kicked out of Indiana for saying that he went too far.
Buying a ticket doesn't mean you can do anything you want at the game. I hope players don't make rash decisions that could cost them in the long run, and that they continue to be smart about outside confrontations. Something has to give before something terrible happens to a fan.
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