"He's a joke, it's funny, it's comical!"- Skip Bayless responds to Kevin Durant's claim of media's malicious jokes about Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook has been on the receiving end of backlash from fans and critics, but Kevin Durant recently spoke in his defense. However, analyst Skip Bayless has stressed that Westbrook's display is comical.
Throughout last season, Westbrook received the blame for the LA Lakers' poor season. The historic franchise finished the season with a 33-49 record.
After the Lakers' season-opening123-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors, Westbrook's performance has given fans something to talk about once again. The All-Star guard had four turnovers in 31 minutes.
Although the entire Lakers were ripped into because of their poor 3-point shooting, it was more with Westbrook. On one play, he grabbed an offensive rebound, ran to the perimeter and air-balled the shot.
On "Undisputed," when Bayless was asked what he thought of KD's comments in defense of Russ, he said:
"For me, the irony here is so steep. It is so deep. The irony is, to use Kevin's word, toxic. The reason Kevin wanted out of Oklahoma City was, he decided, 'I cannot win a championship with Russell Westbrook as my primary decision-maker.
"Everything that Russ is getting criticized for right now, Kevin was quietly criticizing back in the day."
After going back and forth with Shannon Sharpe, also highlighting that KD knew Westbrook had "bad hands," Bayless said:
"Kevin saying he's the button of jokes, he's a joke. It's funny. It's comical. ... And now Russ has become a sympathetic figure in the eyes of ex-players and some current players like Kevin. Leave him alone."
Kevin Durant is one of Russell Westbrook's former teammates who has spoken highly of the point guard
During the preseason games, it was speculated that Westbrook did not want to be part of the team. The narrative gained momentum after footage of Russ not getting into the huddle per Patrick Beverley's request.
There was another video of Westbrook alone before tipoff while the rest of the team was in a huddle. The 2016-17 MVP has debunked those claims, however. He said that the videos were intentionally cut to show that, saying the situation was different.
KD is one of Westbrook's former teammates who has spoken highly of him. On "The Old Man & the Three," Bradley Beal spoke about how Russ is an amazing teammate.
Beal said that Mr. Triple Double is often misunderstood. KD believes Russ might have had a few bad games, but the criticism is reaching a different level.
Charles Barkley claims Westbrook is unhappy with the Lakers
During the halftime show of the season opener against the Golden State Warriors, Charles Barkley said it was time for the Lakers to move Westbrook. He believes that Russ is not happy there and that they should part ways.
On "NBA on TNT," Barkley said:
"You know how I feel about Russell Westbrook. I admire him, I respect him. It's time for the Lakers to move him. They have taken all his joy out of life in basketball.
"This guy used to be so exuberant, played with great energy and great emotion. I think the wear and tear mentally, last year, starting this year, playing with Patrick Beverley. And the thing is, he gonna get the blame no matter what."
🤷🏻♂️
: @NBAonTNTCharles Barkley says the Lakers need to trade Russell Westbrook — and that LeBron and AD are “just getting numbers.” 👀🤷🏻♂️
🎥: @NBAonTNT https://t.co/i1NSZckrFJ
When asked to comment on Barkley's remarks, Westbrook said he is blessed with good people in his corner who support him no matter what. He also said that his focus is on his craft, and not on the outside noise.