Despite an impressive NBA career, Russell Westbrook has often been criticized. Many feel his contributions, particularly his defensive skills, have been undervalued. Even Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone voiced his frustration over the lack of appreciation for Westbrook’s game.
During the broadcast of a preseason game between the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets, Celtics commentators Brian Scalabrine and Drew Carter reflected on Westbrook’s time in the league. They mainly focused on his stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“But I’ll tell you what? I am rooting for him to make like nine threes against the Lakers because he got a lot of heat for that. That was a disaster team, and he got all the heat for that whole thing. So I’m kind of hoping that he can make a bunch of threes against that team,” Scalabrine said.
Scalabrine and Carter’s conversation also touched on the idea that Westbrook became an unexpected scapegoat alongside LeBron James for the Lakers’ troubles.
“You’re telling me one of LeBron’s teammates became a scapegoat out of nowhere?” Carter asked, to which Scalabrine replied, “Yeah.”
How Was Russell Westbrook’s Lakers Career?
Westbrook was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021. With the Lakers, he played for two seasons, from 2021-22 to 2022-23. In his first season with the Lakers, Westbrook appeared in 78 games, averaging solid numbers with 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game.
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However, his second season alongside LeBron James was less impressive. His averages dropped to 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists.
After back-to-back underwhelming seasons, Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz in 2023. Recently, the former Lakers star expressed frustration, suggesting that the Lakers didn’t fully utilize his talents during his stint with the team.
Also Read: Denver Nuggets Star Jamal Murray Sets The Record Straight On Russell Westbrook’s Impact On The Team.
