Russell Westbrook has been the main subject of Los Angeles Lakers fans’ criticism this season. The former NBA MVP has struggled to find his touch with the Purple and Gold, with many fans suggesting he should be moved at the end of the season.
The player hasn’t enjoyed the best times with the Lakers, and he’s well aware of that. Following a defeat against the Dallas Mavericks, the player showed his disappointment with the result of the game and his performance with the Lakers.
While everybody tried to kick him while he was down, one Lakers legend showed his support to Russ, claiming that he needs to stop feeling bad about himself, get it together and start playing like he used to. James Worthy sent a big message to the point guard, explaining how he can turn things around.
“He knows he’s vital to this team and he knows that his performance is not what he’d like it to be,” Worthy said on Spectrum SportsNet. “I personally don’t like to see Russ with zero turnovers. I like to see him with at least 3 or 4 maybe. That means he’s aggressive, he has an aggressive style of play and when he’s in that mode, he’s productive.
“When he’s thinking a lot and passing up shots, I know he’s not knocking down shots and I think it’s because he’s hesitating. He’s thinking about it too much.
“I like players who take accountability. Russ knows he can play, he just needs to play like Russ can play and stop thinking about the distractions sometimes the fans don’t give him the just he deserves. He’s got to let all that go and just go out and be aggressive, get to the hole, take the shot when it’s available without hesitation.
“I think he can get back into a style of play that we want from him. He’s got to stop feeling sorry for himself and just go out and get rebounds, play defense and I think Russ can get back to being the productive player that we need.”
https://twitter.com/SpectrumSN/status/1499238757609787392
The Lakers have stated that they will continue supporting Russ, and it’s good to see that Worthy is showing some love to the star. They still have championship hopes this season, but everybody must step up, especially Westbrook and Anthony Davis. We’re entering the final stretch of the season and things will get really intense. It’s do-or-die for the Lakers.
