Shannon Sharpe on last-minute chaos by Russell Westbrook against Philadelphia Sixers: "I wish Russ would've given the ball up”
Russell Westbrook was attempting to be the hero in the Lakers' last game. Unfortunately, Westbrook's heroic effort came up short.
With 15 seconds remaining in Sunday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Lakers found themselves down by one point. Russell Westbrook secured possession of a defensive rebound before pushing the ball up the court. The Lakers opted not to take a timeout as Westbrook looked to generate a final second shot.
After almost losing possession of the ball, Westbrook attacked the basket before a pass was deflected. The Lakers would go on to lose after failing to get off a shot attempt. It was a disappointing result, especially given Westbrook's performance.
The veteran guard finished the game with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists on 7-of-14 shooting. The Lakers have now lost three-in-a-row and find themselves with an overall record of 19-24 this season.
Appearing on "Undisputed," analyst Shannon Sharpe said he had no problem with the Lakers not taking a timeout. Sharpe also went on to state that he wished Westbrook had given the ball up, despite how good he was playing.
"I wish Russ would've given the ball up or LeBron went and got it. Russ played well, but people will only remember the last play of the game."
.@ShannonSharpe on the Lakers trusting Westbrook on final possession vs the Sixers:
"I wish Russ would've given the ball up or LeBron went and got it. Russ played well, but people will only remember the last play of the game." https://t.co/nHNJqtgM7g
Russell Westbrook and LA Lakers look to get back on track
It was another disappointing ending for Russell Westbrook and the LA Lakers against the Philadelphia 76ers. The team will now look to bounce back on Monday night against the Houston Rockets.
Westbrook continues to thrive in his role off the bench for the Lakers. In his last six games, Westbrook is averaging 22.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. During that span, Westbrook has shot 47.1% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range.
"I always — from day one — thought we was a good team, regardless of results of games. But I know when we have our team together, we're locked in, we're a really good team."
— Russell Westbrook
https://t.co/IhM3HgQdsG
Despite a sensational performance on Sunday, Westbrook's final play will draw plenty of criticism. The Lakers were recently on a five-game winning streak before losing their last three outings. After Monday's game against the Rockets, the Lakers will face the Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies in the last two games of their homestand.