Kieran Shannon: In parallel sporting worlds, Russell Westbrook and Ronaldo have tarnished legacies 

Athletically they were freaks: Westbrook the most physically-talented guard to ever play his sport; Ronaldo dedicated to his physical condition in a way football had never known before

ON THE WANE: Russell Westbrook (#0) of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Jerami Grant #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. Westbrook's star has begun to wane. Pic: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Six years ago this very month, Cristiano Ronaldo and Russell Westbrook were all smiles when they met and exchanged hugs and shirts after the then Real Madrid star took in a pre-season game of Westbrook’s against his club’s basketball team in the Spanish capital.

It was little wonder they formed such a mutual admiration society. At the time there was a lot to admire about the other.