‘Needs to Be Himself’: LeBron James Lays Out Advice to Russell Westbrook After a Disastrous Lakers Debut
Follow Us
Los Angeles Lakers have now lost their fourth straight opening game of the season. Despite the star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis combining for 67 points, the Warriors won 121-114 at the Staples Center. However, the talking point of the night was Russell Westbrook, who had a disappointing regular-season debut with the Lakers.
The ‘Triple Double King‘ had a poor outing for the Lakers, scoring just 8 points in the 35 mins he played. In fact, the star of the night was his point guard counterpart, Stephen Curry. He logged the eighth triple-double of his career against the Lakers with 19 points, 1o assists, and 10 rebounds.
LeBron James, who scored 34 points, has said that Westbrook just ‘needs to be himself’. James also doesn’t want Westbrook to be so hard on himself after a dismal outing against the Warriors.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Michael Jordan’s ‘The Last Dance’, LeBron James’ ‘More Than a Game’ & Other Must Watch NBA Documentaries
LeBron James opens up on what went wrong for Russell Westbrook
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James appeared for the post-match interview and was asked about Westbrook. To this LeBron said that it was just his first game, and he “needs to be himself.”
“I just think it was first-game jitters,” LeBron said.
Trending
Shaquille O’Neal and TNT Co-Hosts to Part Ways After 13 Years? Analyzing “Inside the NBA” Hurdles That Might End an Era
May 04, 2024 02:30 PM EDT
Billionaire Michael Jordan’s Drink With Derek Jeter Was Enough for Yankees Legend to Invest in $11.69 Billion Worth Industry
May 03, 2024 01:00 PM EDT
Brittney Griner Blasts WNBA for Ruining Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso’s Debut: “In No World Does It Make Sense…”
May 04, 2024 01:10 PM EDT
Ty Lue Doesn’t Want To Coach Lakers & LeBron James As Billionaire Steve Ballmer’s Charm Traps 47YO Veteran
May 04, 2024 06:42 AM EDT
“Transferring? Hell Yeah”: Nika Muhl Gets Blunt on Fights With Geno Auriemma After 4 Years of Loyalty to UConn
May 04, 2024 09:02 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“I don’t put too much into it. There was probably a lot going through his mind, being a kid from L.A. … I’m not worried about Russ at all. He just needs to be himself.”
LeBron, on what went wrong for Russ tonight:
"I just think it was first-game jitters. I don't put too much into it. There was probably a lot going through his mind, being a kid from L.A. … I'm not worried about Russ at all. He just needs to be himself." pic.twitter.com/0RBxbIK9c7
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) October 20, 2021
Everyone expects the star trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook to dominate the games this season. However, it’s a new team that has recently gone through a massive roster overhaul. Westbrook will need some time to adapt to the playing style.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Thus, LeBron was also asked to give a piece of advice to Westbrook, to which he replied: “Tell Russ to go home and watch a comedy…. I just don’t want him to be so hard on himself.”
Westbrook finished the game with just eight points, five rebounds, four turnovers, and four assists. He appeared passive around the action happening on the court and even failed to draw fouls while attacking. Anthony Davis, who got off to an impressive start after a disappointing 2020-21 campaign, has also advised Westbrook to be himself.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Los Angeles Lakers now face Phoenix Suns at home this Friday and will be looking to register their first win of the regular season.