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Nov 24, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) argues a call in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 24, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) argues a call in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Lakers registered their 22nd victory of the season after an emphatic win over Utah Jazz. The Lakers won 101-95 at home as LeBron James, and Russell Westbrook starred with 25 and 15 points, respectively. Stanley Johnson came off the bench to score 15 points in 25 mins against the Jazz.
Westbrook recorded 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. While he may not have scored as many points as LeBron, he stepped up at some crucial moments of the game.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 19, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) is fouled by Chicago Bulls forward Alfonzo McKinnie (28) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Russ has been heavily criticized for his performances with the Lakers so far this season. He is aware of the criticism he has been facing lately and has even talked about it publicly. However, in one sequence of play against the Jazz, Westbrook unleashed his wrath on Jazz star Rudy Gobert. He scored an insane dunk over the 7 foot Jazz star and celebrated in style.
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Westbrook even said some words to Gobert after dunking over him. Due to his antics after the dunk, he was handed a technical foul by the referee. However, Westbrook didn’t care much about it.
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Later, Westbrook warned the NBA that it could be anyone after dunking Gobert.
Russell Westbrook warns NBA after dunking over Rudy Gobert
It was a monstrous dunk from Westbrook. While this may be an insane dunk, what makes it even more special is that it was over the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Rudy Gobert is a three-time Defensive POTY in the NBA. Dunking over him and then staring down at him truly made the dunk more special.
After the game, Westbrook issued a warning to other players in the league by saying that anybody could be there on any other night.
“It happened to be Gobert tonight, but that could be anybody any other night,” Westbrook said.
Russell Westbrook, on his dunk on Rudy Gobert, says that he's getting his legs under him as the season goes along, and thinks he can do that stuff more.
"It happened to be Gobert tonight, but that could be anybody any other night."https://t.co/hMEUpE4lCS
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) January 18, 2022
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A win against the Jazz helped the Lakers move a place up in the western conference table with 22 wins in 44 games. However, the Lakers need consistency in the coming days to confirm their position for the playoffs.
ALSO READ- WATCH: Russell Westbrook Helps Out Mop Boy And Cleans The Floor During Lakers vs Jazz
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The Lakers will now face the Indiana Pacers at home after a one-day break. Anthony Davis, who is currently out due to sprained MCL, has been cleared for on-court ramp up with a contact.
Can Davis’ return help the Lakers regain momentum and mount a serious championship challenge? Let us know in the comment section below.
