"It's a Russell Westbrook reality show right now" - Jay Williams suggests playing on LeBron James' team has Russell Westbrook under pressure he is not used to
Russell Westbrook and the LA Lakers suffered another blowout loss, delivered by a team effort from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both LeBron James and Westbrook shot poorly from the field, combining for only 34 points in the 124-104 loss.
Despite an all-round poor performance by the Lakers, Russell Westbrook received the short end of the stick, getting criticized by the opponent for his poor form.
.@RealJayWilliams on Russell Westbrook's response to trash talk ⬇️
"I feel like that was a defense mechanism kicking in, talking about him obviously winning an MVP. His play on the court speaks exponentially louder. ... It's a Russell Westbrook reality show right now." https://t.co/aIZzXH8key
However, Russell Westbrook remains unfazed, as he pointed out in a post-game interview:
“The trash talking doesn’t bother me none. Nobody over there has done anything in this league that, you know, make me put my eyes up – ‘Oh they’re talking mess, let me respond.’”
On the latest episode of ESPN’s “Get Up”, Jay Williams gave his take on Westbrook’s response to the trash talk by saying:
“I just feel bad for where Russ is right now. I feel like that was a defense mechanism kicking in, talking about obviously him winning an MVP. But look, his play on the court speaks exponentially louder than the words he could at a post presser.”
Russell Westbrook made some glaring misses in the game, getting himself caught up in trash talk from the opposing team. Throughout the game, Westbrook’s longtime foe – Patrick Beverly – got under his skin and repeatedly called him “trash”.
Tonight was the first time Patrick Beverley (18) outscored Russell Westbrook (15) in his career.
(Submitted by @DeePee30) https://t.co/vsnJJHTOCZ
To make matters worse, almost all the Timberwolves’ defenders left Westbrook wide open on the perimeter, challenging him to take a shot he’s been struggling with throughout the season.
Jay Williams then went on to touch upon the Lakers’ current situation and Russell Westbrook playing under scrutiny by saying:
“Minnesota is just a better team than the Lakers are right now. They were a ten-point favorite last night at home. When was the last time you said that the Lakers were a ten-point underdog against the Minnesota Timberwolves?”
“I think for a guy like Russ, you know when he was in OKC – he didn’t get criticized every single day. Cause nobody expected him to win a championship. Houston, it started to happen a little bit, going to DC, going to other places – didn’t really happen.”
“Now when you play with LeBron James, every single day, everything you say you do, will be criticized, will be scrutinized. It’s a Russell Westbrook reality show right now.”
Can Russell Westbrook find it in himself to adapt?
Westbrook has had a glaringly poor season shooting the ball, something the opponents have been able to capitalize on. Not only have his scoring numbers taken a hit, but the assist numbers have been pretty low as well.
No doubt, the Lakers are in this position because of a collective failure to step-up, but a lot more is expected out of a player like Russell Westbrook. Teams have been able to attack his weaknesses and make him a non-factor this season, evident in the Timberwolves’ strategy of leaving him open.
KAT's reaction to Westbrook's airball 👀 https://t.co/k2j4cBiVPL
Westbrook either has a few options at his disposal. The first being converting shots, finding his teammates open looks and being able to contribute effectively as a starter. The second option is for him to recognize his strengths and use them as a role player – coming off the bench.