Russell Westbrook is coming off arguably the worst season of his NBA career. The 2008 draftee was supposed to complete a big three on the Lakers with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but health and fit issues have really held the Lakers back as they missed the playoffs last season with Westbrook on the court for most of the season.
Due to the championship-winning expectations put on the Lakers last season, Westbrook had an incredibly tough time defending himself from the Lakers fanbase who was extremely disappointed with him. This led to Westbrook being audibly booed when taking shots inside the Crypto.com Arena. The former MVP opened up to ESPN about his mixed feelings from a very tough personal season for the star and its impact on his family.
“No, I didn’t have to fight that,” Westbrook said. “I had to fight my response on how it affects the people close to me. To me, that was the important part. Confidence is not something I lack. Yes, there were times last season that I wanted to play better — that I should’ve played better — but my confidence never wavers. Having bad games is part of the NBA, and I understand that.
“The only thing it affected for me was the impact that it had on the people closest to me — my mom, dad, wife, brother, close friends. We’ve never had to deal with that as a family. That was the most difficult thing — being booed in the arena and having my kids there.
“I’d look over at my wife, my parents, and try to get them to know that it’s OK. Having played so long in the league, I’m more accustomed to it. But with COVID, the bubble, they had only been able to see a few games in the last two years. So [last] year, it’s super exciting and then it’s like, ‘Oh s—. This is no fun for me.’ …
“Being able to play at home, that became a dream come true. But honestly, I didn’t look forward to it as much for me as I did all the people who I grew up with, people in the community. … But it wasn’t exactly how I planned it all to be [last year].””The only thing it affected for me was the impact that it had on the people closest to me — my mom, dad, wife, brother, close friends. We’ve never had to deal with that as a family. That was the most difficult thing — being booed in the arena and having my kids there.” (h/t ESPN)
Russell Westbrook’s Tough Time With The Lakers
Players expect to be booed on away games but not at home by their own fans. Russ had to adjust to those challenges and will return to the Lakers this season knowing that many fans wanted him traded away this summer for role-players like Myles Turner and Buddy Hield.
He is going to have to change his playing style to have a chance in the competitive Lakers guard rotation that has been bolstered by the additions of Patrick Beverley and Dennis Schroder. Russ is still the best PG on paper on the team, but he needs to deliver on the court once again to get that respect given to him.
