Russell Westbrook speaks with a fan following the Clippers’ loss.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — After a heated exchange with a fan at the end of the LA Clippers’ 113-104 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, Russell Westbrook said he will not tolerate fans saying anything personal about him or his family.

With 30 seconds left in the game and the Nuggets leading 113-102, the Clippers inbounded the ball as Westbrook stood at midcourt and conversed with a fan seated behind the courtside seats.

“I mean, it’s unfortunate,” Westbrook said after the Clippers’ frustrating loss to a Nuggets team missing Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon at Crypto.com Arena. “Fans believe they have the right to say whatever they want.” I’m not going to say [what was said] right now because it’s inappropriate, but I’m just trying to protect myself.

“It’s just unfortunate that fans believe they can say whatever they want, and I personally will not allow it.” I’ve seen a lot of people say whatever they want and get away with it, but I’m not going to stand for it.”

Lauren Holtkamp, the referee, stood in front of Westbrook to ensure that nothing happened as the game progressed. However, after the final buzzer sounded, Westbrook returned to midcourt, where fans appeared to be gesticulating toward the Clippers point guard.

Holtkamp, Nuggets guard Justin Holiday, Clippers security and arena security, as well as Westbrook’s Clippers teammate Daniel Theis, all arrived to ensure that tensions did not rise.

Last season during the first-round playoff series between the Clippers and Suns in Phoenix, Westbrook had a verbal confrontation with a Suns fan as players were using a shortcut through a club area from the locker room to go to the court. When he was with the Washington Wizards in May of 2021, Westbrook was infuriated after a fan at a playoff game in Philadelphia dumped popcorn on him as he was leaving the court following a right ankle injury. Westbrook had to be held back by Wizards staffers and arena security guards.

In 2019, a Utah fan was barred from what was then known as the Vivint Smart Home Arena for life after a verbal altercation with Westbrook while he was with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“I understand fans are enjoying the game and feeling up to whatever that may be,” he said. “I guess they feel they can say whatever they want, but this is our job… all the negative comments about family and things of that nature, I would try to avoid.” But they can say whatever they want about everything else.”

Westbrook reiterated that he will not tolerate fans verbally attacking him or his family.

“Now having kids and understanding how important it is, not just myself but my last name,” Westbrook told reporters. “Understanding what Westbrook means, and how important it is to my father, grandfather, and family.” This is critical. It’s something I believe in, and respect is something I highly value.

“So, the moment that line is crossed, I will no longer allow [it].” I’ve supported it for years, and now my son is old enough to understand what’s going on, asking me, “Hey Dad, what does that mean?” ‘What exactly is it?’ Now I have to stand on it, and no matter where I am or what is going on, I am always standing on it.”