Russell Westbrook’s brother takes aim at Los Angeles Lakers on social media | NBA | Sport
Russell Westbrook’s brother took to social media to share his displeasure with the Los Angeles Lakers star who was benched in the fourth quarter of the team’s 119-117 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday. After an impressive win against the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers – led by LeBron James’ 33 points – made it back-to-back wins thanks to a late Thomas Bryant dunk.
During his first season with the Lakers, Westbrook was considered a scapegoat as the former MVP was blamed for many of the franchise’s failures. There was little hope that he could turn his fortunes around in the 2022/23 season, with many rumors suggesting the guard would be traded.
However, rookie head coach Darvin Ham made the decision to play Westbrook off the bench and that seemed to correct the nine-time All-Star’s production. Westbrook is averaging 14.5 points per game along with 7.6 assists and 6.2 rebounds.
However, during the fourth quarter of the Lakers’ win over the Wizards, Westbrook was on the bench. His brother Ray was clearly not happy about it and took to Twitter to write: “Lol.”
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While the move paid off as the Lakers pulled out a win, it was a surprising decision by Ham. Westbrook’s stats aren’t necessarily better than his numbers last campaign, but he looks like a completely different player with a focus on getting energy off the bench.
Westbrook plays his role in increasing the pace, creating fast break opportunities, setting up teammates and attacking the paint efficiently. He’s been a big reason the Lakers have rebounded from a poor start to win 11 of their last 17 games, even with his shooting continuing to falter.
Westbrook has been the subject of many trade rumors since arriving in Los Angeles, with many believing the Lakers need one or two more pieces — namely shooters — to have James and Anthony Davis, who tore up the NBA before his latest injury. . It was thought that Westbrook would be traded to ensure the Lakers could contend, but his form has silenced such speculation.
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In Sunday’s win over the Wizards, Westbrook shot just 4-of-12 from the field, but he had nine rebounds and eight assists. His relentless, energetic style of play helped the Lakers score a solid 21 fast break points.
Davis is expected to be out for at least a month with a foot injury, so the Lakers will have to rely heavily on his efficiency in transition to win games. The onus will be on Westbrook to deliver, even if he continues his role off the bench.
Westbrook and the 13-17 Lakers will look to bounce back from a loss to the Phoenix Suns when they face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.
