USA Today via Reuters
Sep 28, 2021; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) answers questions during media day at the UCLA Health and Training Center in El Segundo, Calif. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 28, 2021; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) answers questions during media day at the UCLA Health and Training Center in El Segundo, Calif. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Lakers registered their 19th win of the season against the Minnesota Timberwolves. LeBron James led the scoring charts for the Lakers as he scored 26 points in a 108-103 victory over the Wolves. Russell Westbrook had a tough night against them as he scored 20 points in 33 minutes.
Westbrook particularly had a rough game against the Minnesota side. He recorded 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists. He even shot a late shot to extend the Lakers’ lead from four to six points. However, he had nine turnovers and finished the game 0-5 from threes. Russ went 7-16 overall in shooting and 6-8 in free throws.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 3, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots a basket as Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) looks on in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
That is a comparatively poor outing from the 33-year-old. However, Westbrook came out and defended his game, stating that ‘it’s part of the game’.
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Russell Westbrook opens up on his poor outing vs. Timberwolves
Los Angeles Lakers won their 2nd consecutive game and are now 19-19 this season. After the win, Westbrook defended his performance against the Wolves and said that it’s part of the game.
“My game, you know, is fine,” Russ said.
“My game is not predicated on shots or if I turn the ball over. Like, I miss some shots, that’s part of the game. I’m allowed to miss shots. I can do that. Like any other player, I can do that. I can turn the ball over, too. I can do that. That’s all a part of the game.”
New story: Russell Westbrook after his 9-turnover night, including an 0-for-5 mark from 3 in a win over the Wolves – “That’s part of the game. I’m allowed to miss shots. I can do that. Like any other player, I can do that. I can turn the ball over, too” https://t.co/PDCgKbsXGe
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 3, 2022
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Westbrook joined the Lakers earlier this season in order to win his first NBA championship. However, he hasn’t settled in quite well yet and the team is dependent on 37-year-old LeBron James. While Westbrook defended his game versus the Wolves, others noticed. Lakers coach Frank Vogel admitted that Westbrook had a ‘tough night‘.
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Los Angeles Lakers once again struggled but managed to carve out a victory against the Timberwolves, who missed two of their star players, Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell. LeBron James and Malik Monk had a good game and will be looking to continue with the same momentum when the Lakers face Sacramento Kings in their next game.
