In the 2021 off-season, the Los Angeles Lakers added Russell Westbrook to their roster. Alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Brodie’s acquisition was seen as a blockbuster trade. On paper, they were absolutely stunning. Especially since Westbrook was coming off of a historic triple-double season.
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But unfortunately, things did not work out too well for the Lakers. The super team that everyone believed could compete against the best squads in the league, crumpled like a castle of cards in a storm.
Since then, the gold and purple have struggled to find their footing. Currently, they stand 11th in the Western Conference, still 1 game away from even a play-in tournament.
Westbrook, undeniably the trade that started the downfall of the franchise, recently made a remark in the team huddle that has left many fans furious.
Let ’em know. pic.twitter.com/yaFZ9zjDlE
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 8, 2023
Fans call out Russell Westbrook for contradicting LeBron James
There is no denying Westbrook’s achievements in the past, however, it is also impossible to refute team’s failure since he joined the squad. We are not putting all the blame on Russ. Instead, we believe the Lakers’ GM has been the one to blame.
That being said, it seems the repeated upsets since 2021-22 have dampened Russ’s spirits. In a recent team huddle, he was seen contradicting LeBron James. Russ claimed that their focus should be on having fun while James requested the players to stay greedy. NBA fans were upset with Brodie over these comments.
Russell Westbrook has no intention to win 🥱
— Spam (@warriors4ly) January 9, 2023
Having fun in a Lakers uniform… Kobe would have bully Russ his way to China I stg
— Andres (@thecummunistAM) January 9, 2023
I lowkey don’t like what Westbrook said. I mean it’s important to have fun, but the “win, lose, or draw” part got me like 🤨
— Imagine Having A Limit (@NoLimitsRiq) January 8, 2023
Too many hands in the pot. The convo should’ve end after Bron and Coach Ham “Let’s get real greedy” comment… But nooo, Russ had to add his two cents. “Let’s have fun man. Win, lose, or draw.”??? pic.twitter.com/RUBmr4r3ho
— B1g0he (@b1g0he) January 8, 2023
bron basically just said “get greedy, take everything” and russ talking abt some lose or draw 😭 bro is so unserious
— 2real (@2real30842261) January 8, 2023
LeBron James desperately needs help
Russell Westbrook is a great player, capable of a lot. But, unfortunately, the 6ft 4″ guard is just not a great fit for LeBron’s Lakers. Pelinka and Ham need to get James more help. At age 38, he is shouldering all of the pressure.
To keep him from injury, the Lakers’ management needs better scorers and good big defenders. With the trade deadline approaching, it will be interesting to see who they acquire. Hopefully a two-way player with good shot-making and impressive defensive skills.