“Everyone wants to win a championship but there are very few willing to sacrifice” - Shannon Sharpe slams Russell Westbrook for throwing tantrums when asked to start off the bench
Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers were hoping that the 2021-22 season was a fluke. After a slow start during the preseason, head coach Darvin Ham sent Westbrook to a bench role.
The news put basketball fans and analysts on the edge of their seats. Darvin Ham continued to stress that it was a move to help the team. But it was clear that Westbrook's fit with the team was still in question. Eventually, Westbrook was asked about the situation by the media. To no one's surprise, the veteran guard was displeased with his "new" role.
To make things even more confusing, Westbrook was a part of the team's starting lineup on opening night. The Lakers would go on to lose against the Golden State Warriors, but Westbrook showed he could still fill up the box score. Speaking recently on "Undisputed," analyst Shannon Sharpe spoke about Westbrook's comments, saying that very few players are "willing to sacrifice to win."
“Everyone wants to win a championship but there are very few willing to sacrifice what it takes to win a championship.”
.@ShannonSharpe reacts to Russell Westbrook not wanting to come off the bench:
“Everyone wants to win a championship but there are very few willing to sacrifice what it takes to win a championship.” https://t.co/e6JIARW0EK
Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers still at crossroads
The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook in a trade with the Washington Wizards before the 2021-22 NBA season. From that moment, the hope was that Westbrook would be the missing piece of a title contender.
Instead, it's become a disaster ever since Westbrook put the Lakers uniform on. There's still plenty left in the tank for the veteran star, but his fit with Los Angeles has been shaky. Westbrook is set to turn 34-years-old next month and is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
While Westbrook has still shown some flashes on the court, his fit alongside Anthony Davis and LeBron James has been brutal. The Lakers organization has struggled to find shooters, something that has also been a weakness for Russell's game.
Despite his disappointing play, Westbrook has been considered the top trade asset for the Lakers. There's still plenty that believe a fresh start can get the veteran back on track. One of the most desired part of Westbrook as a trade piece is his current contract.
.@KDTrey5 on the criticism Russell Westbrook has been receiving:
"It's like now you're making him the butt of your jokes. ... The dialog around our game is just so toxic at this point. I get criticism [on the court], but it's starting to turn into something else right now." https://t.co/jRd8bs5eFS
Opposing teams have been willing to take on his $47 million contract due to the fact that it's expiring. They have also been desiring the Lakers draft picks in 2027 and 2029. In his last season with the Lakers, Russell Westbrook went on to post averages of 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game.