One person who seems to have his back is Boston Celtics legend Kevin Garnett. The Hall of Famer recently offered some wise words for Westbrook. “I’ma pray for him, man,” Garnett said. “Russ, man, hold your head, man. I know how this s— can be, man. It’s a long year. Whatever you gotta do, man, find your love, and find your passions.”
Source: Jason Simpson @ Lakers Daily
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Eric Pincus @EricPincus
ICYMI: Latest @BleacherReport It’s Time for LA Lakers to Pull Russell Westbrook from Closing Lineup bleacherreport.com/articles/10053… – 3:32 PM
ICYMI: Latest @BleacherReport It’s Time for LA Lakers to Pull Russell Westbrook from Closing Lineup bleacherreport.com/articles/10053… – 3:32 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Column: Until a divorce frees all parties, the only thing standing between Russell Westbrook and his worst impulses is Darvin Ham. It’s time for the rookie coach to hurt some feelings @washingtonpost @PostSports washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/10… – 12:52 PM
Column: Until a divorce frees all parties, the only thing standing between Russell Westbrook and his worst impulses is Darvin Ham. It’s time for the rookie coach to hurt some feelings @washingtonpost @PostSports washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/10… – 12:52 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
Russell Westbrook jumpers have been contested only 41.2% of the time.
@SecondSpectrum says it’s the lowest contest rate in NBA tracking data history (since 2013). Over a full season only Andre Roberson and Joakim Noah were below 50%.
More on the Lakers: theringer.com/nba/2022/10/24… – 11:21 AM
Russell Westbrook jumpers have been contested only 41.2% of the time.
@SecondSpectrum says it’s the lowest contest rate in NBA tracking data history (since 2013). Over a full season only Andre Roberson and Joakim Noah were below 50%.
More on the Lakers: theringer.com/nba/2022/10/24… – 11:21 AM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
Russell Westbrook jumpers have been contested only 41.2% of the time.
@SecondSpectrum says it’s the lowest contest rate in NBA tracking data history (since 2013). Over a full season only Andre Roberson and Joakiam Noah were below 50%.
More on the Lakers: theringer.com/nba/2022/10/24… – 11:21 AM
Russell Westbrook jumpers have been contested only 41.2% of the time.
@SecondSpectrum says it’s the lowest contest rate in NBA tracking data history (since 2013). Over a full season only Andre Roberson and Joakiam Noah were below 50%.
More on the Lakers: theringer.com/nba/2022/10/24… – 11:21 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
When Russell Westbrook returned to yesterday’s game with 4:42 remaining, the Lakers led by eight. They scored only six more points and lost by two.
I went back and watched their late-game offense. The culprit? Jusuf Nurkic simply wasn’t guarding Russ.
cbssports.com/nba/news/how-r… – 10:45 AM
When Russell Westbrook returned to yesterday’s game with 4:42 remaining, the Lakers led by eight. They scored only six more points and lost by two.
I went back and watched their late-game offense. The culprit? Jusuf Nurkic simply wasn’t guarding Russ.
cbssports.com/nba/news/how-r… – 10:45 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
5 takeaways from Lakers-Blazers & Clippers-Suns: Dame Time, Lakers’ 3-point shooting woes, Westbrook’s issues in crunch time, Devin Booker’s strong start & Chris Paul reaching 11,000 career assists https://t.co/vqu5saa12a pic.twitter.com/w6kKRJjCTd – 10:40 AM
5 takeaways from Lakers-Blazers & Clippers-Suns: Dame Time, Lakers’ 3-point shooting woes, Westbrook’s issues in crunch time, Devin Booker’s strong start & Chris Paul reaching 11,000 career assists https://t.co/vqu5saa12a pic.twitter.com/w6kKRJjCTd – 10:40 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Something I’ve kind of wondered about on the Russell Westbrook trade front: if the Lakers had engaged Indiana early enough, could they have landed Myles Turner and Malcolm Brogdon, instead of Buddy Hield, for those two firsts? I imagine they’d slightly prefer that version. – 10:32 AM
Something I’ve kind of wondered about on the Russell Westbrook trade front: if the Lakers had engaged Indiana early enough, could they have landed Myles Turner and Malcolm Brogdon, instead of Buddy Hield, for those two firsts? I imagine they’d slightly prefer that version. – 10:32 AM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
My dude @Dan Woike has this in @latimessports on: Lakers in crisis? LeBron James won’t talk about Russell Westbrook amid 0-3 start latimes.com/sports/lakers/… – 10:31 AM
My dude @Dan Woike has this in @latimessports on: Lakers in crisis? LeBron James won’t talk about Russell Westbrook amid 0-3 start latimes.com/sports/lakers/… – 10:31 AM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Monday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! The Lakers lose to Portland Sunday, fall to 0-3, can’t shoot 3’s to save their lives… and the spotlight on Westbrook is only getting hotter. What to do with Russ? #FirstListen @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lak… – 10:29 AM
Monday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! The Lakers lose to Portland Sunday, fall to 0-3, can’t shoot 3’s to save their lives… and the spotlight on Westbrook is only getting hotter. What to do with Russ? #FirstListen @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lak… – 10:29 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Russell Westbrook has taken 11 wide open threes, the most on the Lakers.
He has made 1.
Open for a reason. pic.twitter.com/ZUOmSFsyxZ – 10:23 AM
Russell Westbrook has taken 11 wide open threes, the most on the Lakers.
He has made 1.
Open for a reason. pic.twitter.com/ZUOmSFsyxZ – 10:23 AM
Mike Prada @MikePradaNBA
“Westbrook has gone from being the elephant in the room to being the oxygen in the room.”
@Jovan Buha brought it with this one theathletic.com/3722039/2022/1… – 9:26 AM
“Westbrook has gone from being the elephant in the room to being the oxygen in the room.”
@Jovan Buha brought it with this one theathletic.com/3722039/2022/1… – 9:26 AM
Trey Kerby @treykerby
LeBron and AD in complete disbelief at Westbrook missing a jumper instead of running clock. pic.twitter.com/c1VxJRiLSw – 8:47 AM
LeBron and AD in complete disbelief at Westbrook missing a jumper instead of running clock. pic.twitter.com/c1VxJRiLSw – 8:47 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Right decision? Russell Westbrook takes mid range shot up by 1 with 30 seconds left sportando.basketball/en/right-decis… – 3:50 AM
Right decision? Russell Westbrook takes mid range shot up by 1 with 30 seconds left sportando.basketball/en/right-decis… – 3:50 AM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Radio Roulette is LIVE @UnderdogFantasy
– Lakers 0-3
– Russell Westbrook situation Defcon 0
– Jazz Agents of Chaos
– Donovan Mitchell shining at PG
– Investigating correlation of PHI’s struggle➡️Take Foul
– #HouseOfTheDragon
A ton to cover, join us!
📺 https://t.co/Nropu5HdXp pic.twitter.com/Lcce6SrECq – 12:22 AM
Radio Roulette is LIVE @UnderdogFantasy
– Lakers 0-3
– Russell Westbrook situation Defcon 0
– Jazz Agents of Chaos
– Donovan Mitchell shining at PG
– Investigating correlation of PHI’s struggle➡️Take Foul
– #HouseOfTheDragon
A ton to cover, join us!
📺 https://t.co/Nropu5HdXp pic.twitter.com/Lcce6SrECq – 12:22 AM
Eric Pincus @EricPincus
Latest @BleacherReport It’s Time for LA Lakers to Pull Russell Westbrook from Closing Lineup bleacherreport.com/articles/10053… – 11:48 PM
Latest @BleacherReport It’s Time for LA Lakers to Pull Russell Westbrook from Closing Lineup bleacherreport.com/articles/10053… – 11:48 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Russell Westbrook has shot 4-for-26 (15.4%) in his last 2 games.
FROM ELIAS: That is tied for the worst field goal percentage over any 2-game span by a Lakers player in the last 50 years (min. 25 FGA). Westbrook tied himself from earlier this year in January. @ESPNStatsInfo – 7:42 PM
Russell Westbrook has shot 4-for-26 (15.4%) in his last 2 games.
FROM ELIAS: That is tied for the worst field goal percentage over any 2-game span by a Lakers player in the last 50 years (min. 25 FGA). Westbrook tied himself from earlier this year in January. @ESPNStatsInfo – 7:42 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Russell Westbrook has shot 4-26 (15.4%) from the field over the last two games.
In the 3-point era, the only other Laker to shoot that poorly over a two-game span with at least 25 attempts is…
Westbrook, who shot a combined 4-26 on Jan. 9 & 12, 2022. pic.twitter.com/czzt3Th3En – 7:38 PM
Russell Westbrook has shot 4-26 (15.4%) from the field over the last two games.
In the 3-point era, the only other Laker to shoot that poorly over a two-game span with at least 25 attempts is…
Westbrook, who shot a combined 4-26 on Jan. 9 & 12, 2022. pic.twitter.com/czzt3Th3En – 7:38 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
This is a column about Russell Westbrook that I wrote over the summer for an outlet I used to write for and they never ran it. After the way that game ended, I tweaked it and published it here (free to all): rosegardenreport.com/p/trail-blazer… – 7:11 PM
This is a column about Russell Westbrook that I wrote over the summer for an outlet I used to write for and they never ran it. After the way that game ended, I tweaked it and published it here (free to all): rosegardenreport.com/p/trail-blazer… – 7:11 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Darvin Ham when asked if he has concern about how Russell Westbrook will handle being benched late on Sunday: “We don’t have time for people to be in their feelings” – 6:47 PM
Darvin Ham when asked if he has concern about how Russell Westbrook will handle being benched late on Sunday: “We don’t have time for people to be in their feelings” – 6:47 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Darvin Ham says he wished Russell Westbrook “attacked the rim directly” on the missed pull-up jumper with 30 seconds left that Westbrook said he was looking for a 2-for-1 opportunity on. – 6:41 PM
Darvin Ham says he wished Russell Westbrook “attacked the rim directly” on the missed pull-up jumper with 30 seconds left that Westbrook said he was looking for a 2-for-1 opportunity on. – 6:41 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
I asked Darvin Ham about how the Lakers can counter teams defending Russell Westbrook with their opposing centers. He said the Lakers can do more dribble hand-offs (similar to what the Warriors do with Draymond Green) and/or Russ decisively attacking the centers off the dribble. – 6:39 PM
I asked Darvin Ham about how the Lakers can counter teams defending Russell Westbrook with their opposing centers. He said the Lakers can do more dribble hand-offs (similar to what the Warriors do with Draymond Green) and/or Russ decisively attacking the centers off the dribble. – 6:39 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Russell Westbrook said that he was looking for a 2-for-1 opportunity when he attempted the midrange shot with 27.3 seconds remaining, and about 18 seconds on the shot clock, and missed it. – 6:37 PM
Russell Westbrook said that he was looking for a 2-for-1 opportunity when he attempted the midrange shot with 27.3 seconds remaining, and about 18 seconds on the shot clock, and missed it. – 6:37 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups on matching up center Jusuf Nurkic with Lakers guard Russell Westbrook late: “Putting him on Russ, we were just going to kind of play off of Russ.” pic.twitter.com/XSPpejrCgz – 6:33 PM
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups on matching up center Jusuf Nurkic with Lakers guard Russell Westbrook late: “Putting him on Russ, we were just going to kind of play off of Russ.” pic.twitter.com/XSPpejrCgz – 6:33 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Darvin Ham said he brought Russell Westbrook back in the game because he wanted another athletic perimeter defender so the Lakers could switch on the perimeter. – 6:30 PM
Darvin Ham said he brought Russell Westbrook back in the game because he wanted another athletic perimeter defender so the Lakers could switch on the perimeter. – 6:30 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Every Lakers starter had a positive point differential except for Russell Westbrook (-4).
Lakers starters not named Russell Westbrook shot 29-of-55 from the field (52.7%).
Russell Westbrook shot 4-of-15 from the field (26.7%).
It’s time. Bring him off of the bench. – 6:27 PM
Every Lakers starter had a positive point differential except for Russell Westbrook (-4).
Lakers starters not named Russell Westbrook shot 29-of-55 from the field (52.7%).
Russell Westbrook shot 4-of-15 from the field (26.7%).
It’s time. Bring him off of the bench. – 6:27 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Blazers close on an 11-2 run to beat the Lakers, 106-104.
– Chauncey Billups had center Jusuf Nurkic defend &completely lay off Russell Westbrook on multiple late possessions.
– Westbrook: 4-15 shooting & two big misses in last four minutes
– Lakers: 6-33 (18%) on threes – 6:12 PM
Blazers close on an 11-2 run to beat the Lakers, 106-104.
– Chauncey Billups had center Jusuf Nurkic defend &completely lay off Russell Westbrook on multiple late possessions.
– Westbrook: 4-15 shooting & two big misses in last four minutes
– Lakers: 6-33 (18%) on threes – 6:12 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
The Blazers completely botch their defensive coverage and give LeBron a wide-open dunk. Game tied 104-104 with 7.7 seconds left. Timeout Blazers. No Russell Westbrook on that final offensive possession for LA. – 6:05 PM
The Blazers completely botch their defensive coverage and give LeBron a wide-open dunk. Game tied 104-104 with 7.7 seconds left. Timeout Blazers. No Russell Westbrook on that final offensive possession for LA. – 6:05 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LAL trail 104-102 after a Lillard 3 in the final seconds.
Lakers were up 98-90 when they put Westbrook back in for Troy Brown Jr.; offense has struggled to produce good looks since. – 6:05 PM
LAL trail 104-102 after a Lillard 3 in the final seconds.
Lakers were up 98-90 when they put Westbrook back in for Troy Brown Jr.; offense has struggled to produce good looks since. – 6:05 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
A Russell Westbrook 2 for 1 is probably not what Darvin Ham had in mind. – 6:02 PM
A Russell Westbrook 2 for 1 is probably not what Darvin Ham had in mind. – 6:02 PM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Westbrook misses a midrange jumper, Blazers get the rebound, Nurkic sets a pick near the halfcourt line on Beverly, is called for an offensive foul, and now it’s being reviewed. Lakers up one with 21.8 seconds to play. – 6:00 PM
Westbrook misses a midrange jumper, Blazers get the rebound, Nurkic sets a pick near the halfcourt line on Beverly, is called for an offensive foul, and now it’s being reviewed. Lakers up one with 21.8 seconds to play. – 6:00 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Patrick Beverley with a potential game-saving possession. With the Lakers holding a 102-101 lead over Portland, Russell Westbrook missed an open jumper. Beverley then drew an offensive foul on Nurkic with 21.8 seconds left. Play under review. – 5:59 PM
Patrick Beverley with a potential game-saving possession. With the Lakers holding a 102-101 lead over Portland, Russell Westbrook missed an open jumper. Beverley then drew an offensive foul on Nurkic with 21.8 seconds left. Play under review. – 5:59 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
This is the second crunch time in a row that a team has used their center to defend Russell Westbrook and it’s clogged up the Lakers’ already poor spacing. – 5:59 PM
This is the second crunch time in a row that a team has used their center to defend Russell Westbrook and it’s clogged up the Lakers’ already poor spacing. – 5:59 PM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Blazers doing the whole “let him shoot” thing with Westbrook here in the fourth – 5:54 PM
Blazers doing the whole “let him shoot” thing with Westbrook here in the fourth – 5:54 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
The Lakers need to end the Russell Westbrook experience now. Although if they do keep him and allow him to keep shooting shots other than off drives to the rim, he could help them with their Wenbanyama lottery odds. He’s 2-10 FG today vs POR – 5:06 PM
The Lakers need to end the Russell Westbrook experience now. Although if they do keep him and allow him to keep shooting shots other than off drives to the rim, he could help them with their Wenbanyama lottery odds. He’s 2-10 FG today vs POR – 5:06 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
After both teams took turns missing shots on six consecutive attempts (3 from Westbrook, 2 from Simons), LAL ripped off a quick 7-0 run to tie the game at 59, as LeBron and AD scored inside, and Beverley hit a 3. – 5:06 PM
After both teams took turns missing shots on six consecutive attempts (3 from Westbrook, 2 from Simons), LAL ripped off a quick 7-0 run to tie the game at 59, as LeBron and AD scored inside, and Beverley hit a 3. – 5:06 PM
More on this storyline
SHOWTIME Basketball: @KevinGarnett5KG’s advice to Westbrook “Reset yourself and remember why you do this.” #NBA #Lakers -via Twitter / October 24, 2022
Wiseman insists he never had any doubt, even as others did. He came into the NBA believing he had star potential and that has not changed. He frequently studies video of Hall of Fame big men Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, David Robinson and Dikembe Mutombo – with particular emphasis on KG. “I love his tenacity for the game,” Wiseman said. “The way he pushed himself on the court, like on the defensive end, where he was a monster. I’m trying to become that type of player. I’ve got to give myself some grace, take it one day at a time. But I’m going to get there.” -via NBC Sports / October 18, 2022
There have been comparisons made of Mobley, who has one pro season and averages of 15.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks under his belt, to Kevin Garnett, who is a member of the 2020 class of the Naismith Hall of Fame. Mobley even mentioned Garnett’s name himself during his Monday availability. Afterward, Mobley told me: “I think it’s a pretty good comparison.” “I try not to compare myself to anybody for real though, because I am my own player,” Mobley said. “I think it’s a good comparison, as well as to every other player that has my same physique.” And when I mentioned to Mobley that Garnett was, in fact, a Hall of Famer, he smiled wide and said, “Yeah, I mean, yeah, he is a great player as well, so I think it’s a pretty good comparison.” -via The Athletic / September 27, 2022
“All of these guys are one of ones,” Durant said. “I’ve been in the league with DRose [Derrick Rose] and Russell Westbrook, so many athletic guards I’m missing, but those two stick out the most to me. The stuff they were doing was unheard of, and you’re seeing other guys doing the same thing. I’m sure he’s inspired by those two as well. The league’s in a great place.” -via ESPN / October 24, 2022
The short-term move that the Lakers strongly have to think about making is hashing out a verbal agreement with Westbrook to stay away from the team until a trade can be worked out. As I reported on multiple occasions during the offseason, all signals suggested that the Lakers were vehemently against going this route coming into the season — to the point that one source with knowledge of the team’s thinking called the mere suggestion “absurd.” -via marcstein.substack.com / October 24, 2022