Since the NBA season began, the Los Angeles Lakers have been under constant media scrutiny due to the team’s poor game performance. Things turned worse for Russell Westbrook after facing the Portland Trail Blazers. But LeBron James’ Lakers are back in the game. After five consecutive losses, the Lakers have finally redeemed themselves with the first win of the season. However, the win has strangely led to NBA fans comparing Russell Westbrook with Dubs star Klay Thompson.
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The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Denver Nuggets once again after previously facing defeat. The game took place at the Crypto.com Arena on October 30, 2022. While fans probably expected another failure, the Lakers rose to the occasion and crushed the Nuggets by 121-110. However, that was not the only highlight of the night.
Fans were pleasantly shocked to watch Russell Westbrook’s performance on the court. Although Russ was not included among the starters, the Lakers point guard proved his on-court skills as a reserve. Westbrook scored 18 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds, leading the team to grab the first victory. Additionally, LeBron James averaged 26 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Whereas, Lakers center Anthony Davis added 23 points, two assists, and an impressive 15 rebounds.
The game was a treat for the Lakers fans as they watched their favorite team shut the trolls and critics with their surprisingly improved performance. However, Russ’ impressive comeback bought Warriors’ Klay Thompson under the spotlight, and not for good reasons.
Fans want to trade Russell Westbrook for Klay Thompson
While the dark cloud above the Lakers seemed to be somewhat clearing, the Golden State Warriors have now become the primary target for criticism. The team attracted bad press after the altercation between Klay Thompson and the Phoenix Suns‘ Devin Booker. Thompson was ejected out of the game for the first time ever in his NBA career. Moreover, the four-time NBA champion faced harsh criticism from NBA analyst Charles Barkley after the Warriors lost to the Suns by 105-134.
🤔 🤔 🤔 pic.twitter.com/zEoe4HG2uq
— Mink Flow (@currypistonn) October 30, 2022
Furthermore, Thompson seems to be struggling on the court this season. Considered one of the best shooters in the league, Thompson has only been able to average 12.3 points per contest on 34.6% shooting from the field. Additionally, the five-time NBA All-Star had to sit out the Warriors’ game against the Detroit Pistons that took place on October 30. Evidently, NBA fans are now drawing comparisons between Thompson and Russ’ stats. Let’s take a look at some of the tweets.
Ok I’ll trade Westbrook for Klay seems like a fair trade 😂
— Lebron Hoops (@LBJ23326) October 30, 2022
https://twitter.com/hayeslegoatfan/status/1586924845798932481?s=20&t=3rnzfEXfAobIMWdzAqbkwg
People acting like Klay never came back from a shooting slump
— HARAM (@sportsguru1011) October 30, 2022
Russ is playing amazing love it
— . (@jordydagoat_) October 31, 2022
Klay is washed, yes I know he was out for 2 years but he’s still washed
— G 💙❤️ (@thelifeof__g) October 30, 2022
we love this westbrook 🙏🏽🙏🏽
— 𝑹𝒚𝒂𝒏✈️ (@xRyan_S) October 31, 2022
One is loved by the media, the other is being heavily pursued to be pushed out of the league.
— Not JoeχMoe 🇵🇸 (@notJoevsMoe) October 30, 2022
league not ready for the this winning streak lakers about to go on 😭🔥
— 🥷🏽 (@wordtoja) October 31, 2022
https://twitter.com/HeUnForGiven/status/1586580628094451713?s=20&t=jne8aWb5BVyW7HSqeqKRvg
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Trade them straight up and both of their numbers improve.
— Co-Ro (@ItsLocKDowN) October 30, 2022
Fans are clearly optimistic that Russ will continue to help the Lakers win the upcoming games. Whereas, it is unsure as to how long Thompson will remain out of the season for rest.
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WATCH THIS STORY: ?Russell Westbrook vs Stephen Curry, what do the numbers say on who is the better point guard?
Do you think the Lakers will be able to keep up their on-court performance? What does it mean for Russ’ future in the league? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!