Home/NBA

It has not been a season to remember for Russell Westbrook. The 33-year-old is in his 14th season. In his experience of 13 seasons before this one, there were not many moments, let alone, a full season that he would have wanted to redo or forget. But this season has taken a toll on him. He clearly is not even close to his best.

Ironically, he was traded to the Lakers to support LeBron James. In fact, it was LeBron who pushed the Lakers to pursue the veteran. However, things have not turned up well and the Lakers are struggling.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Russ West is one of the most effective guards in the NBA. Though this season he has been anything but effective. He has caused turnovers, lost the possessions and has extremely underperformed in terms of points as well. Consequently, Westbrook has received a lot of criticism and he might agree that it is rightfully so. However, he could not keep his cool when a fan messed with his name, essentially making fun of him.

Also read: Fans call out Russ West after another disappointing display.

Russell Westbrook got furious

During the warmup leading up to the game, a fan who seated courtside made fun of Russ by calling him Russell “Westbrick”. Although he said he loves the Lakers guard, Russ knew exactly what he was trying to do. Russ was furious at this and set him straight with just a couple of words and a look.

The NBA Twitter went berserk as the fan messing up with Russ went quiet.

Although it was true there was no need for Westbrook to react the way he did yet there was no need for the fan to call him names either.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

For a player like Russ, he well and truly knows this is not who he is. Russell Westbrook has over 23,000 points in his career. He tops the list for most triple doubles in NBA history with 193. He may be in his worst form and poorest season, but nobody can say that he is not one of the greats. The fact that he used to assert class on the court is the reason he is getting so much stick for not performing.

WATCH THIS STORY: 5 games that prove Russ West criticism is not fair.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

USA Today via Reuters

Either way, Russ is an NBA veteran in his poor season and he might deserve criticism for that. However, it does not seem fair for someone to call him names and instigate him to get a reaction.