USA Today via Reuters
Jan 12, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) and Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley III (35) fight for the ball during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 12, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) and Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley III (35) fight for the ball during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers won in overtime in a hard-fought contest against the New York Knicks. LeBron had an impressive showing in his return as he finished with a triple-double. The Lakers came back from being down 21 and they eventually prevailed in overtime.
Anthony Davis continued his impressive form since returning from injury, but Russ had another off night. He finished with 5 points on 1-10 shooting and was ineffective most of the game. Frank Vogel even benched him for the overtime period. Russ did not look confident at all and he was booed in the first half for his poor decision-making.
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
There was a play in the fourth quarter which caught everyone’s attention. Russ was wide open in the corner and he didn’t pull the trigger right away. The crowd urged him not to shoot, and Russ took a heavily contested shot. After the play, Carmelo Anthony went up to him and asked him to stop getting in his head and be himself.
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LeBron James was asked in the post-game press conference about Russ. He said that he had asked Russ to text him after the game. LeBron said, “I told him to text me later. I told him to keep going, stop second-guessing himself… He’s an instinctive player, with what he’s done in this league, he should never second guess himself… I have the utmost confidence in his ability.”
NBA Twitter reacts to LeBron James asking Russ to text him
The NBA fans had a field day after Russ’s awful performance. They called for him to be traded immediately. Here are some of the best reactions.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: Massive Trade Might Give Much Needed Star Power to Luka Doncic’s Mavericks
acrions speak louder than words.
if u don't actually trust him move him for wall i am begging cause this is not fin for nobody
— 👑Terron (optimistic russ fan (not lakers)) (10-7) (@terron_francis) February 6, 2022
Text me later so I can tell you what time your flight to Houston leaves.
— Irvine Bryant (@TheRealib3) February 6, 2022
LeBron will trade him in a heartbeat if it would mean we could get Lillard. Remember, he sent Wade back to Miami too. LBJ has a very tight group of close friends. Rest of the people, he will send flowers
— Healthy Lakers Please (@LALakersfan18) February 6, 2022
lebron gotta stop capping , idc if westbrook drops a 60 point game after this. He can’t shoot for shit, he’s a paint god. Like it’s incredible how bad he is at shooting 3s he’s decent at midranges but this season this guy has been eggwater.
— Shenko (@yxng_guap) February 6, 2022
Great leader. I feel like Lebron should be instructing and teaching russ move though. Tell Russ no 3s. Attack the basket, cut, and pass. And be better on defense.
— Meek Mill’s PR (@MeekMillPR) February 6, 2022
Damn he’s staying 😭 pic.twitter.com/SxZtVQQtc2
— 𝘉𝘙𝘠 ⁶ 𝘔𝘖𝘕𝘛𝘈𝘕𝘈 ²³ 👑 (@BMACK_3) February 6, 2022
LeBron meanwhile when Russ turns the ball over for the 5th time pic.twitter.com/nj0JpUdKjr
— Kenny Sam (@KennySam21) February 6, 2022
— Toby Houck (@HouckToby) February 6, 2022
This the same mf who gonna make Russ sit in the corner. Give him the ball with 8s on the shotclock. And not let him facilitate. 👏🏼 HOW BOUT U LET HIM BE CONFIDENT
— Zthang (@zthang0) February 6, 2022
that sht sound like a farewell quote 😭😭
— 𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞 (@returnofronnie) February 6, 2022
I have the utmost confidence, Lebron is going to get Russ traded before the deadline
— Jordan (@J_Pab24) February 6, 2022
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What’s next for Russ?
Russell Westbrook just seems out of confidence right now. Moreover, he is not aggressive in driving towards the basket anymore and his finishing ability has seemingly abandoned him. In fact, Shaq asked him to slow down a little bit in a courtside conversation. He just seems to be in his head and with the fans booing him, it doesn’t help him with his confidence as well.
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However, he still has time to figure his stuff out and help the Lakers to a championship. He still is one of the best players in the league and he is a Hall of Famer already. LeBron and Co. need to find a way to get Russ back up his best.
WATCH THIS STORY: LeBron James’ crazy transformation from a rookie to NBA icon
