"I don't like seeing people coming at my guy Russ like that" - Shaquille O'Neal defends Russell Westbrook
O'Neal pointed out that since Westbrook is not young anymore, his athleticism can't bail him out of tough situations like it used to. O'Neal also went on to say that Westbrook has to read the game better and learn how to use his burst of speed to his advantage by being patient. The former NBA star also mentioned that going downhill on a full-court fast-break is no longer the 33-year-old superstar's strength.
"Like the one play, he [Westbrook] starts the fast break back there [near his own baseline]. O'Neal exclaimed. "He's fast, but not as fast as the old Russ, and then the young guy [Magic defender] caught up with him... I was like 'Bro, slow it down, take your time and then explode', don't give the guy time to react."
The 2017 NBA MVP has the third-lowest scoring average of his career this season. He's averaging 21.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game, while shooting 43.7% from the field and 31.8% from beyond the arc. Westbrook is having a down season, but he's not the sole reason the Lakers are playing badly.
Shaquille O'Neal at courtside in LA Lakers win over the Orlando Magic
When the LA Lakers visited the Orlando Magic last Friday at the Amway Center, there was a familiar face courtside. It was none other than Shaquille O'Neal, who has a history with both teams. O'Neal played the first four years of his career in Orlando before spending the next eight in Hollywood with the Lakers.
Shaquille O'Neal led the Magic to their first ever NBA Finals appearance in 1995, but they were swept by the Houston Rockets. O'Neal joined the Lakers in the 1996 offseason, winning three straight NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. He would then win his fourth and final NBA title in 2006 as a member of the Miami Heat.
Shaq and Westbrook having a mid-game convo 👀
#LakeShow https://t.co/yDBTYZI3FV
In the video above, Shaquille O'Neal can be seen from the sidelines interacting with Russell Westbrook during the game. O'Neal told Westbrook that he was "playing too fast," and it seems as if that advice might have worked. The Lakers point guard finished the game with 18 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, with just three turnovers.
LA went on to win the game against the Magic, 116-105. They then proceeded to Miami and lost 113-107 to the Heat. The Lakers were back in the win column on Tuesday night with a 106-96 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. They have three more road games to play before heading home to Los Angeles.