Russell Westbrook doesn’t assume he’s the Lakers’ Achilles heel.
The primary-year Laker has been benched for durations of time throughout his weeks-long taking pictures hunch.
“You by no means know while you’re coming in, you by no means know while you’re popping out. You by no means know while you’re taking part in, you by no means know… a bunch of issues,” Westbrook mentioned about head coach Frank Vogel’s current lineup adjustments.
“And I’m talking for me personally, so it’s a tough course of to have the ability to determine and create some rhythm and a few consistency the place we are able to really see what we’re in a position to do as a crew, however these choices are made by him and his teaching employees, and also you’ve acquired to dwell with it and transfer on.”
Westbrook’s feedback got here after he went 3-for-11 from the ground and sat the complete fourth quarter in Los Angeles’ 131-116 loss to the Bucks on Tuesday evening. He nonetheless posted a double-double with 10 factors, 10 rebounds and 4 assists.
It marked the second straight sport that Westbrook slid additional down the bench.
Final Saturday, Westbrook was benched on the finish of the Lakers’ win towards the Knicks. The previous MVP didn’t see a minute of motion in time beyond regulation.
When requested what “benchmarks” he must hit to be within the closing lineup, Westbrook laughed.
“I shouldn’t must hit any benchmarks, to be sincere. I put loads of work in. I acquired loads of respect on this sport. I earned the precise to be in closing lineups,” he mentioned Tuesday. “Numbers would say, I don’t have to elucidate that. Like I mentioned, as soon as once more, it ain’t my determination … Sadly, simply gotta go along with and determine it out the perfect I can and be there for my teammates as a lot as I can and ensure I come into work and do my job.”
Westbrook’s taking pictures numbers have plummeted this season for the Lakers. He’s presently taking pictures 43.7 % from the sector and 30 % from deep.
Brodie’s benching started in late January when he sat within the fourth quarter in a loss to the Pacers at dwelling.
Lakers followers have seemingly turned on Westbrook amid his hunch. He’s been greeted with boos at video games and critics proceed to troll the purpose guard on social media.
“It’s an indication of respect…,” Westbrook mentioned of the followers’ frustration. “A very powerful half is that I proceed to make use of my reward to play basketball and use that platform to assist folks around the globe. That’s all I can do.
“Basketball is a short while of your life. I take pleasure in it, have enjoyable, and need to compete on the highest stage, but it surely’s not the end-all be all… No matter comes, cheers, boos, it doesn’t actually matter.”
Westbrook’s struggles additionally led to Vogel going through questions on his job safety. The coach, although, has maintained that he continues to “play the fellows I believed had been gonna win the sport.”
The Lakers acquired Westbrook final summer time to kind a Huge 3 with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in hopes of successful a title.
The 26-29 Lakers occupy the ninth seed within the Western Convention a day earlier than the NBA commerce deadline.
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