"The team's not geared for him, he was easily a 30-10-and-10 guy when he had the keys to the team"- Paul George defends under-fire Russell Westbrook, says he doesn't get the hate thrown at him
LA Clippers superstar Paul George once again defended his former teammate Russell Westbrook. Westbrook has continued to struggle for the LA Lakers, leaving him under massive media scrutiny.
George had his career-best season in the NBA alongside Russell Westbrook during their OKC Thunder days. George defended his former teammate after the LA Clippers beat the Lakers 103-97 on Thursday:
"I don't get the shade or the hate or the stuff that's thrown at him. He's one of the best players to ever play this game. ... He was very easily a 30-10-and-10 guy when he had the keys to the team. We can't forget about that"
Paul George had 15 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in the win. George struggled to find his touch early in the game as he made his return from an injury.
Westbrook continued to look lost in the LA Lakers setup. The former league MVP, who is known for his infectious energy and passion, looked like a shadow of his former self.
“I don't get the shade or the hate or the stuff that's thrown at him. He's one of the best players to ever play this game...He was very easily a 30-10-and-10 guy when he had the keys to the team. We can't forget about that.”
- Paul George on Russell Westbrook https://t.co/0d8m0C7KdN
Paul George and Russell Westbrook shared a great relationship playing for OKC Thunder
Paul George was traded to the OKC Thunder in the summer of 2017. The 2016-17 season saw Westbrook win the MVP after he became the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double.
George and Westbrook made the All-Star team in 2018 but got knocked out of the playoffs in the first round by the Utah Jazz. The following year, Paul George stepped up as he went on to have the best individual season of his career. George finished in the top three of MVP and Defensive Player of the Year award voting.
Westbrook and George made for a great tandem as their games complemented each other. But the duo fell short in the playoffs yet again. The OKC Thunder lost in the first round to the Portland Trail Blazers in five games.
Russell Westbrook's struggles continue as the LA Lakers lose again
Coach Darvin Ham promised to bring out the best in Westbrook this season in his early press conferences. However, the results haven't been positive so far. With Westbrook's glaring incompetence in shooting the ball, the former MVP has struggled to play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Westbrook could not score a field goal as the LA Lakers lost their second straight game of the season. Westbrook had a stat line of 2 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists against the LA Clippers. With LeBron James on the floor, Westbrook is forced to play off the ball, which is something that doesn't work for him.
The LA Lakers could eventually look to trade Russell Westbrook as they try to build a competent squad to challenge for this year's championship.