‘Be Aggressive’: Shaquille O’Neal Offers Vital Advice to Russell Westbrook Following Win vs Spurs

Published 10/27/2021, 9:30 AM EDT

NBA and Los Angeles Lakers star Russell Westbrook has received a mixed reception since signing for his hometown team. Westbrook’s debut in the opening night game against the Golden State Warriors was far from ideal. However, the former Washington Wizards player has looked to turn his dismal form around with passionate performances for his new team.

The crew of ‘Inside the NBA’, a show on ‘TNT’, decoded the Lakers’ performance vs the San Antonio Spurs. Co-host Shaquille O’Neal had some advice for Russell Westbrook regarding his style of play for the Lakers. O’Neal advised Westbrook to adopt an aggressive style of play to accommodate stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who spend more time on the ball.

Shaquille O’Neal said, “He is going to have to figure out ways to make an impact without being on the ball all the time. His whole career, he has been either number one or number two, now he is number three or four. I agree with Chuck, he has to push the pace. When they miss, he should be the first one on the court trying to get layups. When he gets the ball, he should be aggressive.”

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O’Neal added, saying, “The only reason why he had 33 points is cause he took 27 shots. Now when LeBron has the ball all the time and throwing it to AD, he is not going to be able to get 27 shots. So again, he is going to have to find a way to make an impact on the game without having the ball all the time. ”

Russell Westbrook Perfectly Fills In for LeBron James and Combines With Anthony Davis to Lead Lakers to Win vs Spurs

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Westbrook’s Lakers hold off San Antonio Spurs threat

The Los Angeles Lakers fought their way to victory against the San Antonio Spurs in the absence of their talisman, LeBron James, who missed the game due to a sore right ankle. The Lakers eventually secured a 125-121 victory over the Spurs in overtime, and the Lakers’ key players stepped up in the absence of LeBron to ensure their second victory of the season.

Anthony Davis led in scoring for the Lakers with 35 points and 17 rebounds. Russell Westbrook enjoyed a sublime game with 33 points and 10 rebounds despite a slow start to his season. And Jakob Poeltl scored 27 points and 14 rebounds for the Spurs but could not stop the Lakers from cruising to their first away win of the season.

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Watch this story: Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis Carrying the Game to OT, Dejounte Murrays Triple Double and Other Highlights From Lakers vs Spurs

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Shalom Saldanha is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Currently pursuing his journalism degree, he has previously worked as a sports corresspondent for India Shorts/Business Upturn. A Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks fan, Shalom primarily got into the sport after discovering that he shared a mutual love for Arsenal with the 'Greek Freak'.

‘Be Aggressive’: Shaquille O’Neal Offers Vital Advice to Russell Westbrook Following Win vs Spurs

Westbrook’s Lakers hold off San Antonio Spurs threat

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