"They have taken all his joy out of life and basketball!" - Charles Barkley on Lakers scapegoating Westbrook
Charles Barkley didn't hold back on his thoughts on Russell Westbrook's situation with the LA Lakers. During the halftime show of the Lakers vs. Warriors game on TNT's "Inside the NBA," Barkley lashed out at the Lakers for scapegoating Westbrook during his tenure there.
He believes the Lakers should trade him after taking away the "joy" of life and basketball from him.
"They've taken all his [Westbrook's] joy out of life and basketball," said Barkley.
"This guy used to be so exuberant, played with great energy and emotion. I think the wear and tear mentally, last year, starting this year... The thing is, he's gonna get the blame, no matter what."
Charles Barkley added:
"I think he needs a fresh start... The Lakers need a fresh start because they're not contenders. But I hate the fact that they made him and [Frank] Vogel the scapegoats. This guy man, I admire Russell Westbrook."
"It's time for the Lakers to move on... They have taken all his joy out of life and basketball."
Chuck goes off on Russell Westbrook with the Lakers https://t.co/ktevt7J0ns
Russell Westbrook had an underwhelming debut season with the LA Lakers. He averaged 18/7/7 on 44% shooting. Those numbers aren't up to his standards, especially considering he was coming off the fourth triple-double season of his career.
Fans and critics blamed Westbrook for the Lakers finishing 11th in the West with a 33-49 record and missing the playoffs. However, the roster composition was also to blame. The Lakers were the oldest team in the league. They were also one of the worst defensive teams.
Meanwhile, 2020 championship-winning coach Frank Vogel also found himself on the receiving end of tremendous criticism and was eventually fired after the team's final regular-season game. Charles Barkley's perspective on this matter is understandable as neither Vogel nor Westbrook were solely responsible for the Lakers' tumultuous season.
The LA Lakers need to do better in every facet. From their roster construction to how they handle business on the court. They need to build a culture within their team and develop their young players and maintain continuity, which hasn't been the case.
Charles Barkley might be spot on with his assessment of Russell Westbrook's situation
Charles Barkley isn't too far from his assessment of Russell Westbrook's situation with the LA Lakers. The 2017 NBA MVP endured severe criticism this offseason and in the preseason because of the Lakers' dismal record last year.
Every move he made on and off the court got monitored closely. Critics have questioned his attitude and desire to contribute to the team again, despite Westbrook proving to be an absolute professional. He has been in trade chatter all summer, but coach Darvin Ham has mentioned that the nine-time All-Star has done everything that's asked of him thus far.
There were times last year when Russell Westbrook showed a lack of confidence hampering his performance. That could once again be a possibility. As Charles Barkley said, the LA Lakers moving on from this partnership would be beneficial for both parties.