LeBron James has come out and defended his under fire teammate Russell Westbrook after the Los Angeles Lakers’ latest defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Los Angeles Laker’s latest defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves has found them reeling after a 0-5 start to the season. Five losses and no wins to start the season is an unenviable record and the worst-ever start to any season in their history, and it is down to the lack of collective effort more than any person in particular – although the NBA community does not think so.
Much of the Lakers’ struggles this season has been attributed to Russell Westbrook being out of form, and it all peaked when a badly timed three pointer from Westbrook led to the Denver Nuggets finding a way back into the game in their last outing. Westbrook did himself no favors on Friday night as well, as he was underwhelming yet again in the defeat to the Timberwolves.
Westbrook came off the bench to rack up 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists for the Lakers – however, his shooting game was way off the highest level as it has been this season. Westbrook shot only 5 of his 13 attempted two-pointers (38%) and only 1 of 4 three-pointers at 25%, hence making only 6 out of 17 field goals during a performance that was heavily criticized by his detractors.
However, Russ had his teammate LeBron James to back him up.
LeBron James defended Russ from his critics and said that Westbrook was “great” all through the game in the defeat.
Speaking to the press following the defeat, James defended his under fire teammate from the media by saying that he performed great all throughout the game. When asked about Westbrook, LeBron said: “He was great”. LeBron also praised Russ’ energy by saying “he kind of pulled us up”, and concluded by saying that he was great “all game.”
However, that was not enough to stop NBA Twitter and the analysts from ripping into the under fire Westbrook – aa the Lakers continue to underwhelm with every game.
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