Being humble isn’t Russell Westbrook’s energy, in line with Shaquille O’Neal. The previous Los Angeles Lakers legend summed up why Westbrook’s humility in the direction of his teammates was one motive why he had a poor 2021-22 season.
The Lakers want to get again to profitable methods after a poor season final 12 months. Westbrook had one of many worst seasons of his profession throughout his first 12 months in Los Angeles.
Earlier than becoming a member of the Lakers, Westbrook averaged 22.2 factors, 11.7 assists and 11.5 rebounds per recreation for the Washington Wizards. He additionally managed to steer the Wizards to the playoffs with teammate Bradley Beal.
Nonetheless, his numbers dropped in Los Angeles. The nine-time All-Star completed the season with 18.5 factors, 7.1 assists and seven.4 rebounds. Although he averaged much less turnovers, his performances had been closely criticized within the media.
In a latest interview with Dime Journal, Shaq shared why he thought the previous MVP’s humility was the rationale issues didn’t work out for him. He stated:
“I believe he was simply, and I say this respectfully, I simply assume he was displaying an excessive amount of respect.
“He was simply being too good. I don’t know the connection between him and LeBron, however when you put that down on paper and I don’t know nothing about basketball, that’s a hell of a backcourt, Russell Westbrook and LeBron James… That’s the way it was me, he was simply pondering an excessive amount of. He’s a man that, when he performs freely, he’s a monster.“
Can the Lakers make the Russell Westbrook-Patrick Beverley backcourt work?
The Lakers stunned everybody after they signed Patrick Beverley a couple of weeks in the past. Similar to the Rudy Gobert commerce, nobody noticed this coming.
It is recognized league-wide that there is been some dangerous blood between Westbrook and Beverley. It stemmed early of their careers when Pat Bev went slightly too aggressive in hounding the star level guard. In consequence, Westbrook suffered a severe harm to his proper knee. Since then, the 2 have expressed their dislike in the direction of one another.
One notable factor throughout Pat Bev’s introductory press convention was his interplay with Russell Westbrook. Throughout his interview, the defensive specialist voiced his pleasure in the direction of being on the identical group as the previous MVP.
A brand new period of Lakers basketball is upon us. Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley enjoying collectively will make the 2022-23 season much more thrilling.
Coming quickly!
Coming quickly!