Russell Westbrook had a terrible night both on and off the court on Friday night. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar couldn’t get things going against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who beat the Lakers 107-83 at Staples Center.
After the game was over, the 9x All-Star attended the usual postgame interview, but not everybody was happy with the way Russ behaved while talking to media members. Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation didn’t appreciate Westbrook constantly checking his phone while talking with reporters.
The journalist took to Twitter to express his unhappiness with Brodie’s attitude, asking the player to learn manners before talking with reporters.
Call me crazy, but I think it’s just a bit disrespectful to look at your phone during an entire postgame interview, especially after getting blown out. Just me, I guess. Manners. What a concept.
Call me crazy, but I think it's just a bit disrespectful to look at your phone during an entire postgame interview, especially after getting blown out. Just me, I guess. Manners. What a concept.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) November 13, 2021
Fans came in Westbrook’s defense, arguing that it was his birthday, he had a bad night and it wasn’t easy to get reviewed every night. Ward replied to all of them, giving his point of view on this situation.
It's every interview, but this time it was next level.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) November 13, 2021
Nor is it fun to wait for players, transcribe what they say and then write stories until 2 am. Respect goes both ways.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) November 13, 2021
Just like they chose to be an athlete making $40M/year. Does that mean we don't get treated with the same respect?
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) November 13, 2021
Birthdays aren't 365 FYI. You'd care if it impacted your job every other night.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) November 13, 2021
Spokesperson? You don't even know what the hell you're talking about. This is his job.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) November 13, 2021
It's called being a professional.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) November 13, 2021
Call me crazy. But respect is a 2 way street. Can't ask for something you aren't giving. Let the man enjoy his birthday and stop being problematic
— Milly🎲 (@Hoodie_Milly) November 13, 2021
It’s also disrespectful to go on twitter & talk about a person u just saw instead of addressing your issues towards them in person, man to man. Call me crazy but 🤷🏽♀️
— Alontrae (@Alontrae3) November 13, 2021
https://twitter.com/JaysonT17261123/status/1459521821687128066
Then say it to him while you are there
— dee (@deetrippy12) November 13, 2021
Players don’t want to do those interviews, the league makes it mandatory. The shitty part of your JOB is dealing with ego or whatever the athlete is willing to give you. The shitty part of theirs’ is talking to you. I suggest you start leaving your feelings at home 🤷🏾♂️
— Michaelangelo (@michaelangeloG_) November 13, 2021
Russ can’t catch a break on the court and outside. The player hasn’t delivered as expected, with fans calling him out for his performances on the floor. Now, one journalist called him out for ignoring reporters.
It’s true that he was celebrating his birthday and was probably getting tons of messages at the moment, but the fastest he responded to the question, the fastest he could get out of that.
The Lakers are wandering around right now. They don’t have an identity this season and fans are growing unhappy with the squad. LeBron James is inactive and Westbrook has failed to step up for the squad.
They need to get things back on track, or making the play-in tournament will be their biggest achievement this season.
