Things are not getting any easier for Russell Westbrook and the boos he got from the hometown crowd against the New York Knicks has reeled in even more controversy.
The former NBA MVP had a bad outing, shooting 1 out of 10 from the field and 0 for 3 from three-point territory. He ended up with just five points in 29 minutes of action and spent more time on the bench during key moments.
The good news is that the Lakers still won, 122-115. But rather than focus on how the purple and gold got it done, pundits got on Westbrook’s case.
Like other players, the 33-year-old guard was in no mood to answer questions. Rather than focus on his poor game, he wanted most to talk about the win instead.
“I don’t want to keep making it about me,” he said. “When I play bad, you guys ask me a s--- ton of questions and then when I shoot the ball well, I don't really hear too many of those questions.”
True enough, Westbrook has had his ups and downs this season. But his struggles are overshadowed by the fact that expectations were pretty high for the Lakers this season that most have singled out almost everyone – including LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
James and Davis know how Lakers’ fans are pretty much passionate about the sport. Westbrook needs to get used to it – at least until the end of the 2021-22 season.
For now, Westbrook needs to focus more and continue to try. The NBA trade deadline is in the coming days but the Lakers have not shown any indication of a trade happening. There is also low interest in the nine-time All-Star thus far.
Hence, James and Davis just want Westbrook to focus and keep on trying. Like most, both are keeping the faith, aware that Westbrook is not spared from bad games.
Consistency is what Westbrook lacks. Being on a star-studded team is not easy and the two-time NBA scoring champion just has to figure it out soon.
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