Russell Westbrook had a bright smile for the first time in a while at the postgame interview following the Lakers’ 131-120 road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers Monday.
Weeks after defending his family from “death wishes” and a barrage of harassment, Westbrook happily showed off a sweater his 4-year-old son gave him for his birthday: “Noah drew this for me and he got it made for me. … One of the best gifts I’ve gotten.”
The wholesome moment marked a complete turnaround for Westbrook, who’s appeared defeated and withdrawn as the Lakers’ disappointing 31-41 season was growing more dire.
Whether it’s fair or not, Westbrook has borne the brunt of blame for all that has gone wrong with the Lakers this season. Because of his polarizing personality and declining play, Westbrook has become an easy scapegoat. But Westbrook has managed to string together three of his best games this season, including a 128-123 OT win over the Toronto Raptors made possible by his clutch, game-tying three pointer.
“I live for adversity and negativity from people … constantly talking because there’s nothing better than shutting people up,” Westbrook told reporters on Monday. “It’s nothing better than sitting back and watching people be quiet.”
He’s quieted his critics – at least for now.
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Many league observers thought Westbrooks’ return to his hometown would help the Lakers’ contend for their second title in three seasons, but the Lakers have struggled to stay in playoff contention. They are 10 games under .500 with 10 games remaining in the season and are currently in 9th place in the West, one game ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans.
And many fingers have been pointed at Westbrook.
Fans have chanted “Westbrick” at games. Media pundits constantly debate his game, with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith saying Westbrook doesn’t deserve to wear purple and gold. Magic Johnson, one of the greatest Lakers of all-time, even declared on an ABC pregame show that Westbrook “could go down as the worst trade in Laker history.”
Westbrook deserves some criticism, as the highest paid Laker this year with his $44 million salary. But is he solely responsible for the Lakers’ trying season, given the team’s poor roster construction and inability to stay healthy? He’s averaging 18 points per game on 43% shooting from the field and 27% from the 3-point line, in addition to nearly four turnovers per game.
With the exception of his 3-point shooting, Westbrook’s numbers have certainly been worse in his Hall of Fame career, but his off-court comments haven’t done him any favors.
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His cavalier attitude that many loved to hate over the years has made him a popular fall guy. Westbrook has been defiant to any discussion of improvement or accountability as time ticks down for the Lakers. When asked about living up to his expectations in Los Angeles, Westbrook told reporters he “had no expectations.” When asked about being booed by home fans, Westbrook laughed it off and said he’s “not worried about that.” When probed about his poor shooting, he said he “doesn’t have an answer.”
Westbrook’s lack of urgency has rubbed some the wrong way.
“There were expectations when you called LeBron James and Anthony Davis and said you wanted to be a Laker,” Johnson said earlier this month. “You know you had to come here knowing that it’s about championships when you put on the purple and gold. Quit battling the press. Take ownership and accountability and say, ‘Hey, I haven’t played well but I got a chance to turn it around.’ So I’m tired of the excuses.”
Westbrook, who had a string of triple-doubles at the end of last season that were instrumental to the Wizards’ march into the postseason, also represents a costly void that hasn’t been filled. The Lakers traded Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell to Washington for him. Caldwell-Pope and Kuzma were an integral part of the Lakers’ 2020 NBA championship team with their perimeter defense and shooting, which Westbrook has not provided much of.
“The Lakers gave up a lot to get him. They could have had (DeMar) DeRozan; they could have had (Buddy) Hield, and we could have been a much better team,” Johnson has said. “He’s got to step up to the plate and play championship basketball.”
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The Lakers have looked far from a playoff team, let alone a championship contender. Following the All-Star break, Los Angeles lost 9 of its 11 games, including a 140-111 loss to Phoenix, where they gave up 48-points to the Suns in the first quarter alone.
But the do-or-die Lakers have made recent strides to stop the bleeding. On Friday, Westbrook hit a three-pointer against the Raptors with 0.4 seconds remaining to send the game to OT. The Lakers won 128-123, snapping a three-game losing streak.
“Throughout this whole process, throughout the year, ups and downs, the good and the bad, I lean so much on my faith and it’s very important that I stay faithful and truthful to that because, eventually, it’ll all work out,” Westbrook said. “Nights like tonight is the reason why I stay true to my faith and thankful to be able to just go out and be able to play and allow my talents and gifts that I was given to be shown on the basketball floor.”
Frank Vogel said of Westbrook, “He’s obviously dealt with a lot, more than most of us with the season in terms of criticism and whatnot. He’s handled it well and he’s staying in the fight and staying together with his teammates.”
Westbrook has continued his positive momentum. In the past three games, he has averaged 21.3 points on 53.2% shooting from the field, 8 from 16 from three and 2.7 turnovers. Johnson said he’s “played his best basketball as a Laker” during that stretch.
Westbrook said he and his teammates are “super confident” in their ability to score and finish the season strong. LeBron agrees: “I can care less what the narrative of our team is. At the point of my career, I don’t get involved in that stuff. I don’t read about it. I don’t hear too much. I go home and drink wine or tequila every night… None of that stuff matters to me.”
Follow Cydney Henderson on Twitter @CydHenderson.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Russell Westbrook the scapegoat for Lakers’ poor season. Here’s why.
