The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to win since the regular season started. The team is evidently struggling to keep up as they recently lost their third consecutive game of season 2022-23. LeBron James’ side faced the Portland Trail Blazers on October 23, 2022. Fans and the team were hopeful to bag their first win against the Trail Blazers. However, the teams’ performance ended up disappointing fans instead of making a positive impact.
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The Lakers started off strong in the game that took place on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena. They maintained their stride and had a big lead in the second half before the Trail Blazers took over. Failing to hold off Damian Lillard and co., the team lost by 104-106. The loss came as a shock to fans and so did Russell Westbrook’s performance.
LeBron James scored a total of 31 points, with 8 assists and 8 rebounds. Fellow Lakers teammate Anthony Davis added 22 points with 3 assists and 10 rebounds. However, Russ only managed to score 10 points and that is not the only reason fans are blaming him for the team’s loss.
With just 18 seconds left in the game, Russ decided to take a jump shot, clearly thinking he would be able to make it. The Lakers guard missed the shot which ultimately led the Portland Trail Blazers to snatch away the win.
LeBron James refuses to give comments on Russell Westbrook
After the Los Angeles Lakers lost the game, the team sat for a post-game interview. Consequently, LeBron James was asked to give his thought on Russell Westbrook’s on-court performance. However, LeBron refused to speak on the matter and said that the interview was meant to set him up.
LeBron has Westbrook’s back. ✊
(via @swishcultures_)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 23, 2022
Talking about his teammate, James added, “You guys can write about Russ and all the things you want to try to talk about Russ, but I?m not up here to do that. I won?t do it. I?ve said it over and over. ?That?s not who I am.”
However, fans are not happy with James having Westbrook’s’ back despite his disappointing performance. Many fans are instead demanding that the Lakers trade Russ.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
https://twitter.com/knickskaiszn/status/1584317786054356992?s=20&t=mCkO5NN-T65ZJ_l-P2rBYw
https://twitter.com/LeCasualv5/status/1584317590330961920?s=20&t=wi7-5HxBiQnqpKpDLsL3RQ
Westbrook didn’t have his back in the game 😭
— Wilbert (@WilbertTheGoat) October 23, 2022
Enough having this mans back
He needs to WORK ON his shot.
— 𝖋𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸⭑ (@FL0CKAA) October 23, 2022
treating him like a make a wish kid
— Chef Reaves👨🏽🍳 (@honest_laker) October 23, 2022
No he doesnt stop dragging this and trade him already
— Sai (@LeGoatedOne) October 23, 2022
What a bad teammate
— Mason 🐺 (@Masonfrfr) October 23, 2022
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Not even foolin Westbrook prolly the worst All-Star teammate he's ever had
— King_AMMO_ (@GoatBucketz7) October 23, 2022
https://twitter.com/CookedByReaves/status/1584318017181450240?s=20&t=wi7-5HxBiQnqpKpDLsL3RQ
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Do you think the Lakers should trade Russ? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.