As the Los Angeles Lakers‘ run in the fourth quarter made the game against the Milwaukee Bucks interesting, one familiar face was not seen throughout the entire quarter: Russell Westbrook.
Though the Lakers were steamrolled the first three quarters in the loss, Westbrook is becoming a common omission from fourth-quarter lineups, regardless of the situation.
The most recent came Saturday, the previous game, against the New York Knicks, a game where the Lakers’ home crowd booed Westbrook.
After the loss to Milwaukee, Westbrook, who put up 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting, 10 rebounds, five assists and four turnovers, said he’s earned the right to close games (h/t @WorldWideWob):
“I shouldn’t have to hit any benchmark, to be honest,” Westbrook said. “I’ve put a lot of work in. I’ve got a lot of respect in this game. I don’t have to hit a benchmark. … I earned the right to be in closing lineups. Numbers will tell you, I don’t have to explain that. I’ll say once again: It ain’t my decision. That’s the decision that (Frank Vogel) and the staff thinks that’s best for the game, and unfortunately you kind of just to go with it and figure it out the best way I can and be there for my teammates as much as I can and make sure I come to work and do my job as a professional.”
Russell Westbrook’s answer when asked what benchmarks he has to hit to be in the closing lineup: pic.twitter.com/Nobrx2ov8K
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) February 9, 2022
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