“Charles Barkley believes Russell Westbrook has been made LA Lakers' scapegoat: "It’s funny, none of those guys on that team can shoot, but you only hear about Russell"
Russell Westbrook sat out the LA Lakers’ game against the Denver Nuggets due to hamstring tightness. He has struggled since last season with this 3-point shooting, which many have said is the biggest reason for the Lakers’ failures.
Here’s what Charles Barkley had to say on why Westbrook was unfairly thrown under the bus during his appearance in Bill Simmons’ podcast:
“We’re in a situation now where somebody has to take the blame. It’s really sad and unfortunate but that’s just the way it is now, and Russell is the scapegoat. It’s funny, none of those guys on that team can shoot, but you only hear about Russell because that’s the narrative now.
“I think the Lakers have been 10-50 like three games in a row that they’ve lost. I’m like, ‘Russell didn’t shoot the other 40, did he?’ But that’s the only narrative.”
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Charles Barkley’s point was proven in the LA Lakers’ game against the Denver Nuggets. Without Westbrook, the Lakers were still horrible. They made only 8 out of 30 (26.7%) of their 3-point attempts. Against the Nuggets, who are giving up 119.4 points to their opponents, LeBron James and Co. could only score 90 points.
Russell Westbrook may be the worst 3-point shooter for the LA Lakers, but he’s not the only one shooting blank. Patrick Beverley, Westbrook’s starting backcourt partner, is also bleeding for points from beyond the arc. Beverley is 18.8% from the 3-point line and only 21.1% overall.
The former LA Clippers guard is hardly taking a two-point basket, as he has only attempted three in four games. He is about as impactful when it comes to outside shooting as Russell Westbrook.
Lakers fall to 0-4 tonight... without Russ. https://t.co/K6ULndydsE
Lonnie Walker IV, the third starting guard in the LA Lakers’ perimeter-heavy lineup, is shooting 43.6% from the field largely on drives. His ability to get into the teeth of the defense is a breath of fresh air for a team that relies heavily on LeBron James’ all-around brilliance.
The former San Antonio Spurs guard, however, is worse than Beverley on 3-point shooting. Walker is hitting just 17.4% of his trifectas.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is just as bad. The post operator, who often jacks up 3s as part of his repertoire, has attempted 11 so far, making only two of them for 18.2%.
LeBron James isn’t off the hook on the Lakers’ inept outside shooting. He’s 25.7% for the season after hitting 35.9% last year.
The Lakers are shooting 33-for-148 on 3s this season. That 22.3% 3-pt FG pct is the worst over any 4-game span by any team within a season in NBA history (min. 125 3-pt FGA). twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/…
Collectively, they’ve had the worst 3-point shooting average throughout four games in NBA history. Russell Westbrook has been horrible, but he has been singled out when it’s the entire team that can’t shoot the ball.
Russell Westbrook’s inability to be accountable has made him the face of the LA Lakers’ epic failures
Last season, Russell Westbrook blamed everyone but himself for his horrible season. He ripped former coach Frank Vogel for not allowing him to succeed. “Russ” also practically called LeBron James and Anthony Davis liars for saying they’re letting the point guard be himself on the court.
Eventually, there were times when Vogel had to bench Mr. Triple-Double as he couldn’t impact winning. Unsurprisingly, Westbrook pushed back, repeatedly mentioning his past accomplishments as the equity for him to be on the court at the end of games.
LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson urged Westbrook on the Shannon Sharpe podcast to be accountable:
“First off, take accountability. If you don’t play well, admit it. Stop trying to fight the media and the fans and go out and perform.”
Magic Johnson’s advice to Russell Westbrook:
“First off, take accountability. If you don’t play well, admit it. Stop trying to fight the media and the fans and go out and perform.”
(via @ClubShayShay) https://t.co/k3BFWS7qoz
In the Lakers’ loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Westbrook was on the bench for a long stretch and was reportedly grumbling about it. Coach Darvin Ham later told the media that he didn’t have time for players who are “in their feelings.”
Darvin Ham when asked if he has concern about how Russell Westbrook will handle being benched late on Sunday: “We don’t have time for people to be in their feelings”
Russell Westbrook isn’t the only culprit in the Lakers’ horrible start, but he’s making himself the punch line for failing to be accountable.