Russell Westbrook’s recent comments about playing his preferred position as a point guard appear to be a subtle allusion to his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he faced a challenging transition and mixed results. His statement could be interpreted as a veiled critique of the Lakers, particularly LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who might have influenced his role within the team.
“I’ve been a Point Guard since I’ve been in this league, and I always will be. I would say I’m pretty good at that position… I’m grateful that Paul and Kawhi allow me to play my position.”
Russell Westbrook: "I've been a Point Guard since I've been in this league, and I always will be. I would say I'm pretty good at that position… I'm grateful that Paul and Kawhi allow me to play my position."
Cooked LeBron and AD 👀 pic.twitter.com/LtTTH17yUA
— Beastbrook (@Beastbr00k0) November 1, 2023
When Westbrook joined the Lakers at the beginning of the 2021-22 season, expectations were high. However, the season didn’t go as planned. A combination of injuries to key players, including LeBron and Davis, along with Westbrook’s struggles, contributed to the Lakers’ inability to secure a playoff spot. Westbrook received his share of criticism, but it’s important to recognize the contextual factors that played a role in the Lakers’ underwhelming season.
In the middle of the 2022-23 season, Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz, only to be bought out shortly after. He subsequently joined the Clippers and had a remarkable resurgence, particularly during the playoffs, where he became a pivotal force in the absence of injured stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
Westbrook’s return to the Clippers this offseason was marked by a willingness to embrace a different, more complementary role. His statement about playing as a point guard indicates his contentment with his current situation, which stands in contrast to his time with the Lakers. While Westbrook’s comments can be seen as subtle shade, they also highlight the importance of finding the right fit and role within a team, something he appears to have achieved with the Clippers.
Comparing Russell Westbrook’s Stint On The Lakers And Clippers
Russell Westbrook’s stints at the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers have offered a stark contrast in his performances and overall experience. Comparing his statistics and role on these two teams provides valuable insights into his journey.
During his time with the Lakers, Westbrook was faced with significant pressure, as he was expected to form a dynamic trio with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. This arrangement placed Westbrook in a somewhat unfamiliar role, leading to challenges in terms of shot selection and turnovers. He averaged 17.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game while shooting 43.4% from the field and 29.7% from beyond the arc. It was a season marked by high expectations but ultimately disappointing results.
In contrast, his tenure with the Clippers has seen Westbrook thrive in a more tailored role. With Paul George and Kawhi Leonard as primary scoring options, Westbrook has shifted his focus to facilitating and being a playmaker. This change appears to have positively impacted his performance and overall happiness. He’s averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game while shooting an impressive 49.8% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range.
The difference in pressure, role, and dynamic of each team has clearly influenced Westbrook’s output, showcasing the significance of fitting within the right system and with the right teammates. His journey serves as a testament to the complex interplay between individual talent and team dynamics in the NBA.
Paul George Fires Back At Russell Westbrook’s Critics
Paul George has fired back at critics of his teammate, Russell Westbrook, emphasizing the double standards and narratives that often surround players in the NBA. Westbrook, who spent the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, faced a barrage of criticism during his time there as the team struggled to meet high expectations and missed the playoffs.
“No one was saying none of this when he was in Washington. He goes to the Lakers and, ‘He’s done, he’s this, he’s washed.’ All these narratives start to float around… I just knew he still had it.”
Why did Paul George want Russell Westbrook after his time on the Lakers?
PG: “No one was saying none of this when he was in Washington. He goes to the Lakers and, ‘He’s done, he’s this, he’s washed.’ All these narratives start to float around… I just knew he still had it.” pic.twitter.com/twx3Ou8jKO
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) November 1, 2023
In response to the negativity directed at Westbrook, Paul George has come to his defense, pointing out that the criticisms only began once he joined the Lakers. George highlighted that when Westbrook was with the Washington Wizards, he didn’t receive the same level of scrutiny. He questioned why the narratives surrounding Westbrook suddenly changed when he became a Laker.
George’s comments highlight the often fickle nature of NBA fandom and media coverage. Players can quickly go from being celebrated to heavily criticized based on their team and the narratives that emerge. George’s defense of Westbrook is a reminder that the skills and abilities of these athletes don’t change drastically from one team to another; the context and expectations do.
This supportive statement from George shows the camaraderie and solidarity among NBA players, recognizing the challenging environment they often find themselves in when it comes to public perception and the demands of playing for high-profile franchises like the Lakers. It’s a testament to the bond shared among players who understand the pressures of the game and how narratives can shift dramatically.
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