7x All-Star and former teammate surprisingly defends Russell Westbrook: "It's not a team that's geared for him with the roster they have"
After the 'Battle of LA', LA Clippers superstar Paul George had some kind words for Russell Westbrook. Shedding light on his former teammate's greatness, George also mentioned how unjust the situation has been towards the 9x All-Star.
In an interview with NBA writer Ohm Youngmisuk, George defended certain criticisms directed towards Westbrook.
He said:
"Honestly, I don't get the shade or the hate, the stuff that's thrown at him. He's one of the best players to ever play this game. It's hard when you've got the pressure they're putting on him here. Quite frankly, it's not a team that's geared for him with the roster they have. For him as well. It goes both ways.
"He was very easily a 30-10-10 guy when he had the keys to the team. We can't forget about that.
"For me, I just want him to keep having that joy, that excitement, that fun, that's what makes him special. The fact that he can do that on a nightly basis, I hate to see that it doesn't look like that's there for him. But hopefully, in the end, it works out for him in his favor."
Paul George defended Russell Westbrook: “It’s hard when you’ve got the pressure they’re putting on him here. Quite frankly, it’s not geared for him with the roster they have… He was very easily a 30-10-10 guy when he had the keys to the team. We can’t forget about that” https://t.co/s9OD2lSoWg
The first meeting between the LA Lakers and the LA Clippers this season resulted in a close 103-97 win for the Clippers. The win was also significant as it marked the return of superstars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
Westbrook was criticized again after a horrible shooting night. He failed to make a single field goal in 11 attempts.
Paul George was an MVP candidate when he played alongside Russell Westbrook
The reason for Paul George's stance on Russell Westbrook isn't out of sheer camaraderie for a former teammate. George spoke from experience when he defended Westbrook in the above interview.
George played alongside Russ in Oklahoma for two years and averaged 28.0 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in his second season, which is the highest so far in his career.
Paul George looked like a potential MVP candidate with Westbrook by his side. He also pushed Westbrook to greater heights as the guard averaged a triple-double for the second consecutive season.
Russell Westbrook (43 PTS, 15 REB, 8 AST) and Paul George (45 PTS. 9 REB, 7 AST) showed out in OKC tonight!
#ThunderUp https://t.co/d6n0fu24dN
The duo were an absolute menace in the West. Unfortunately, the pair failed to win a title together. With early exits in both seasons, George opted to join the LA Clippers after the 2018-19 season.
Russell Westbrook also left after that season and joined the Houston Rockets. Now with the Lakers, it will be interesting to see what the organization decides to do with him if he continues to struggle with his shooting.