As the biggest target for blame by the fans, Russell Westbrook knows the sound of criticism better than most.
Since arriving in Laker land, the community hasn’t exactly been shy about expressing their disappointment in the status quo and it has left Westbrook in a rather tough position trying to deal with it all.
Most recently, former Laker Magic Johnson dished out some words for the team, calling them out for a lack of effort in their blowout loss to Denver on Saturday.
After being blown out by the Nuggets 133-96, we as Lakers fans can accept being outplayed but we deserve more than a lack of effort and no sense of urgency. Owner @JeanieBuss, you deserve better.
Naturally, Westbrook was asked to respond and he really didn’t seem bothered by the comments.
Russell Westbrook says he has no reaction to Magic Johnson’s tweet criticizes the Lakers’ effort. Said Magic is “entitled to his opinion” and that he’s not around the team on a daily basis to see what’s really going on.
“Sometimes we got to make a decision to play hard.” Says “teams are just playing harder than us. Simple as that.”
Amid all the noise, Russ has made several public statements about his struggles already. Just like he did with Magic, he brushed off all the negativity and insisted on doing things his way.
“My game is not predicated on shots or if I turn the ball over. I missed some shots, that’s a part of the game, I’m allowed to miss shots. I can do that. Like any other player, I can do that. I’m allowed to turn the ball over too. I can do that, that’s all a part of the game.”
The truth is, Westbrook is key to L.A.’s success this season. With LeBron aging and Anthony Davis compromised, Russ is the key to igniting the team’s potential.
So far, his struggles to adjust to the new surroundings have created some ugly performances and there is no sign that’s going to slow down.
Perhaps it’s time for the star guard to sit back, listen to the critics, and re-evaluate his strategy on the floor. If not, it could cost him and his team the season.
