“Russ doesn’t wanna be a Laker and the Lakers don’t want him” - NBA analyst blasts Russell Westbrook for not joining the huddle during the game, suggests it’s better if they ‘part ways’
Russell Westbrook's fit with the LA Lakers was questioned once again after he refused to be a part of a team huddle during a preseason game. NBA analyst Shannon Sharpe feels Russ does not want to be a part of the team, and suggested that should part ways with the team. On "Undisputed: Skip and Shannon," he said:
"I think I speak for a lot of Laker Nation fans. They ready to be done with Russ. Russ doesn't wanna be a Laker, and the Lakers doesn't want him. They done with Russ. I think Russ is done with them also.
"I've never seen somebody wave off a huddle. I ain't got no scales. I just know that when he gets the ball, I get anxious, I wanna turn the TV off cos I know something good is not about to happen. It's frustrating. They made a mistake. The Lakers made a mistake, Russ made a mistake in wanting to come to the Lakers. This is not gonna work."
Sharpe continued and talked about the Lakers' chances of winning the title with Westbrook in the team:
"As long as he's on the team, the Lakers are not going to win a championship or really compete for a championship. I'm over this situation. Hopefully, they can get some value out of him running the second unit. I hope that's the case. But it would be so much better if they were just able to part ways."
.@ShannonSharpe on Russell Westbrook avoiding Lakers team huddle:
“The Lakers are done with Russ and Russ is done with the Lakers. I’ve never seen a dude blow off the huddle. As long as Westbrook is on this team, the Lakers will not compete for an NBA championship.” https://t.co/LlMquHQfMx
Westbrook was acquired by the LA Lakers in the summer of 2021 after an incredible campaign with the Washington Wizards. Unfortunately, he hasn't made the same impact in LA.
Fans have clamored for Westbrook to be traded, but the Lakers have failed to find a suitable trade package. Brian Windhorst reported that the Lakers might be holding off on trading the All-Star guard as they eye the lottery pick next year.
Westbrook's performances have not seen significant improvement, and Sharpe believes it is time for him to go.
Westbrook addressed the narrative of him refusing to be part of the team huddle. He said that he was talking to the coaches, and on the second occasion, he was completing a pregame ritual he has done since joining the league.
Russell Westbrook's future is up in the air ahead of season opener
Russell Westbrook was left out of the starting lineup against the Sacramento Kings in the preseason game today. The Lakers are currently exploring if Russ coming off the bench can be a permanent solution.
Unfortunately for the team, Westbrook pulled his hamstring in the first quarter of the game and we were unable to see if Russ is capable of running the second unit. More importantly, will Russ accept a role he hasn't played before?
Due to his injury, the Lakers could be without Russell Westbrook for their season opener against the defending champions Golden State Warriors on Oct. 19.