It has happened for the second time now. The thing that Lakers fans dreaded. The Lakers have fallen off the 10th seed. This means that if the season was to end right now, the Lakers would not even qualify for the play-in tournament. LeBron James and Russell Westbrook seem to have no solution.
Despite another inspired 38 point game from LeBron, the Lakers lost the game quite poorly. On Friday night, the Lakers lost another game that they looked like winning. The New Orleans Pelicans snatched the victory from the grasp of Frank Vogel’s side.
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Although the Pelicans looked a better side most of the first half, the Lakers picked up good momentum in the second. This was Anthony Davis’ first game back, and he had a decent outing.
WATCH THIS STORY: 5 games which prove that Russ West’s criticism is not fair.
‘King James’ obviously showed his class. Russell Westbrook could not contribute much during the start of the game, but he also scored some important points at the end.
Russell Westbrook slams the Crypto.com Arena crowd
Russ West has been under the cosh all season. He has been under constant criticism. A player of Westbrook’s quality and career going through such a relationship with his own fans is not something anyone would like to see.
Russell Westbrook to @mcten on how the https://t.co/zgfUpPn1br Arena crowd affects the team’s performance: “I don’t pay attention to this crowd, to be honest.”
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 2, 2022
Russ West obviously knows this season has not been anywhere close to his own standards. However, he still feels that the fans get harsh on him. His 7-word comment, “I don’t pay attention to this crowd.” was a clear indication of that.
The NBA Twitter was quick to dismiss Westbrook as they were nowhere on the same page as the Lakers star.
When a player says this about the team he play for Its time to move on. EITHER TRADE HIM OR SEND HIM TO CHINA BUT HE CANT PLAY FOR THE LAKERS NEXT SEASON @Lakers @JeanieBuss
— ALL SPORTS!!! (@sportsnews1235) April 2, 2022
All Lakers fans to Westbrook: pic.twitter.com/rVEGpNeuHe
— Me (@MoneyDre123) April 2, 2022
You really expect him to like him after sending death threats to his family? lol crazy
— Sir Otit 🇩🇴🇭🇹 (@_Titinn_) April 2, 2022
thats why he doesnt pay attention to them
— Dante (@DxnteNL) April 2, 2022
Crazy all laker fans saying “leave” or “gtfo” like they don’t have the worst and most toxic fan base 😭😂 a team supposed to support your players, not kick them when they are down
— Bruno (@ReverendBruno) April 2, 2022
— sam esfandiari (@samesfandiari) April 2, 2022
Lakers fans acting offended like they didn’t send his family death threats all season LMAO. pic.twitter.com/UYfqjgN6J7
— J. (@VIVIIXIV_) April 2, 2022
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To be fair to Russell Westbrook, fans have often gone beyond criticism to show their discontent. There have been multiple reports of death threats and many other comments along those lines towards his family, which is not criticism and it is not what the sport of basketball stands for.
Talking about the game, the momentum favored the Lakers during the 4th quarter. However, the Pelicans changed the course of the game. This has happened way too often all season. There always seems to be one man open for the opposition and their lack of defensive structure has cost them too many games.
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ALSO READ: LeBron James snubs Russ West.
The Lakers are 11th seed now and on the lowest of lows. With hopes fading away, they slightly have the chance to qualify for the play-in, but to guarantee that they need to win all the remaining games and hope that the teams around them do not do the same.