The Los Angeles Lakers once again were on the losing end, this time, against the Indiana Pacers. This loss makes it 4 of the last 5 games that the Los Angeles Lakers have lost. The franchise is under heavy scrutiny at all ends right now, and one reporter tried to interrogate James on some decisions that were made regarding Russell Westbrook.
During the game, Russell Westbrook was benched in the 4th quarter against the Pacers. After the game, Frank Vogel was asked why he benched Russell Westbrook during the game, to which he responded by saying that he was just playing the guys who thought would help the Lakers win the game, a statement that has already garnered controversy.
LeBron James was asked by a reporter after the game whether he knew how Russell Westbrook felt about being benched. In response, James asked questions to the reporter about whether he had seen Westbrook throughout his career and this season, and how he thinks Russ would feel. When the reporter guessed that Russ would be unhappy, LeBron suggested that he was right.
Here’s the video:#Lakers #LakeShow
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) January 20, 2022
LeBron James: “Have you followed Russ throughout his career?… Have you followed Russ throughout this season? Would you think that would bother Russ, not being in the game?”
Reporter: “I would imagine.”
LeBron James: “There goes your answer.”
Clearly, James didn’t feel the need to speak on Westbrook’s behalf, as Russ is capable of talking for himself. James has been one of Russ’ biggest supporters, and recently even stood up and confronted the referees for not calling fouls that went against Westbrook, telling them that they should show Westbrook the same respect.
On top of that, it was recently reported that James was a big proponent in bringing Westbrook to the Lakers. Clearly, James has Westbrook’s back despite the poor performance and the general poor fit for Westbrook within the Lakers.
