“Anything you do, they’re gonna attack you, I’m sorry you gotta go through that” - Patrick Beverley on what he told Russell Westbrook after being criticized for avoiding a team huddle
Russell Westbrook avoided a team huddle called for by Patrick Beverley during the LA Lakers preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was criticized for not showing intent to gel with his teammates. However, Westbrook told reporters he was talking to the coaches about missing a defensive coverage.
Beverley also said that when asked about it on his podcast, "The Pat Bev Pod." The Lakers' offseason recruit thought Westbrook was in a huddle and hinted that he didn't know it had turned out to be a big deal.
"When I was in the huddle, I felt like Russ was in there with me," said Beverley. "He was talking to the refs, and he was talking to the coaches also. ... After the game, everybody was like, 'Why did he do you like that?' I'm like damn, 'What happened?'"
After learning about the critics' thoughts on the situation, Patrick Beverley told Russell Westbrook:
"Hey Russ, anything you do bro they're gonna attack you, so damn, I'm sorry you gotta go through that."
"When I was in the huddle, I felt like Russ was in there with me. He was talking to the refs and coaches... We told him on the plane, 'Hey Russ, anything you do, they're gonna attack you. I'm sorry you gotta go through that, bro.'"
- Patrick Beverley
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Westbrook has had constant criticism aimed at him since last season. He didn't perform well in his debut campaign with the LA Lakers. He averaged 18.0 points, 7.0 assists and 7.0 rebounds on 44% shooting from the floor.
Many blamed him for the Lakers failing to qualify for the playoffs. Several Lakers fans wanted the team to trade him this summer. But GM Rob Pelinka and Co. want to see if Westbrook can make a comeback under new coach Darvin Ham.
However, critics remain skeptical of Russell Westbrook's attitude towards his teammates and whether he will accept a reduced role within the team. Due to this, every move he makes as a Lakers player will likely continue to be closely monitored and analyzed by his critics.
LA Lakers continuing to explore the idea of Russell Westbrook coming off the bench
The LA Lakers finally decided to explore the idea of bringing Russell Westbrook off the bench during their last preseason game against the Sacramento Kings. However, Westbrook played only five minutes, leaving the game early due to a hamstring injury.
The idea behind bringing Westbrook off the bench is to give him more freedom as the lead point guard with the second unit. He thrives with the ball in his hands. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the court with him, Westbrook's opportunities to conduct plays are limited.
Moreover, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and Anthony Davis aren't the most efficient shooters from deep. Playing them together kills the spacing Darvin Ham wants to have in his system.
REPORT: The Lakers will continue to “explore” bringing Russell Westbrook off the bench during the regular season.
(via @mcten, es.pn/3VJ9XmL) https://t.co/9443vc9c1N
With injury limiting Westbrook to his first game off the bench for the Lakers, the team didn't get to see how that move could work out. However, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that the Lakers will continue to explore that tactic.
Here's what he stated in his recent report:
"Ham closed out the preseason by bringing Westbrook off the bench, a lineup the Lakers will continue to explore during the regular season, sources told ESPN."
Darvin Ham seems to have built an excellent relationship with Russell Westbrook. That could be the key behind Westbrook accepting a reduced role for the Lakers.