Damian Lillard, Who Had Beef with Russell Westbrook for Years, Makes Surprising Statement About Lakers Star

As the criticism of Russell Westbrook continues, other players are starting to back him up. Westbrook is trying to do his best every single night, though his performance still doesn?t meet up to people?s expectations.?

It is easy to judge someone?s game by numbers. Westbrook?s numbers do not sound as fancy as they should. While players like LeBron and AD did get time to cool off., Westbrook has only missed 1 game in the 2021-22 season.?

Not playing a game does not always mean that the player who has been playing the most needs rest, but also to study their own game and figure out problems.?

Damian Lillard had some encouraging words for Russell Westbrook

Lillard and Westbrook went at each other in the 2019 playoffs, when the Blazers took on the Thunder. As Damian Lillard got the best out of Oklahoma, sinking the game-winning shot in game 5 to seal the series.?

In a recent episode of the Club Shay Shay podcast, Lillard backed up Westbrook.

?Russell Westbrook?s career and legacy is undeniable. Like that?s just the bottom line,? says Lillard.

Westbrook is an MVP and the all-time triple-double leader. And it definitely is tough to achieve such feats in one?s career. Lillard also throws shades at his triple-double record as he said, ?If I try to go every game and get a triple-double for a whole season, I can?t do it. And there?s a lot of other people that can?t do it either.?

READ MORE: Stephen Curry Vouches for Russell Westbrook Amidst Criticism From Fans

How can Westbrook respond to the critics?

The Lakers are currently in a tough spot. With LeBron being injured and the team standing on the 10th seed, it will be tough for the Lakers to maintain their spot. Though if Westbrook can step up and gets the best out of the few remaining games, he can save the Lakers this season.

WATCH THIS STORY: Russell Westbrook Finally Opens up on Possibly Getting Traded From Lakers: ?Every Year, My Name Is in Trade Rumors. It Never, Never, Never Seeps Into How I Approach What I Do?

As the Play-In tournament closes in, it will be interesting to see how Westbrook can lead the team to an assured Play-In position.