

It has not been a season to remember for Russell Westbrook. The 33-year-old is in his 14th season. In his experience of 13 seasons before this one, there were not many moments, let alone, a full season that he would have wanted to redo or forget. But this season has taken a toll on him. He clearly is not even close to his best.
Ironically, he was traded to the Lakers to support LeBron James. In fact, it was LeBron who pushed the Lakers to pursue the veteran. However, things have not turned up well and the Lakers are struggling.
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Russ West is one of the most effective guards in the NBA. Though this season he has been anything but effective. He has caused turnovers, lost the possessions and has extremely underperformed in terms of points as well. Consequently, Westbrook has received a lot of criticism and he might agree that it is rightfully so. However, he could not keep his cool when a fan messed with his name, essentially making fun of him.
Also read: Fans call out Russ West after another disappointing display.
Russell Westbrook got furious
During the warmup leading up to the game, a fan who seated courtside made fun of Russ by calling him Russell “Westbrick”. Although he said he loves the Lakers guard, Russ knew exactly what he was trying to do. Russ was furious at this and set him straight with just a couple of words and a look.
He didn’t want the smoke with Russ 😅
(h/t @AhnFireDigital) pic.twitter.com/wmgtiRk07J
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) March 17, 2022
The NBA Twitter went berserk as the fan messing up with Russ went quiet.
Russ was bouta make bro a millionaire 😂
— SWISHOUT (@swishout) March 17, 2022
Then I’m buying season passes front row next season so he sees me everyday at work lmaooo
— Antwanter (@antwanperson) March 18, 2022
As he should, low key. I'd be doing that every game if I was Russ lmao. Just find me a Westbrook hater. Point em out, get em out. Thanks for paying all that hard earned money on the tix, bro lmao ✌🏽
— DaBasketballGuy (@DaSportsGuy1) March 18, 2022
Exactly. Even a shove would be worth millions. Hell, nowadays you could say you "felt" threatened and your life was in danger, then sue.
— Aaron Friction (@Friction218) March 18, 2022
Although it was true there was no need for Westbrook to react the way he did yet there was no need for the fan to call him names either.
Look how fast he changed his tune pic.twitter.com/bXzwRxkQSo
— . (@LiterallyPG13) March 17, 2022
Bro as soon a westbrook came over pic.twitter.com/YkXiklbLuk
— Doc Szn🔔🍇(42-26) (@doc_szn) March 17, 2022
If you gonna call him Westbrick than stand on your word lol, mfer got scared real quick.
— ᴀᴄʜ™🌐 (@StepbackAch) March 17, 2022
Dude really folded pic.twitter.com/CoqpEjeSQv
— Kevinnooo (@kevmaster776) March 17, 2022
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For a player like Russ, he well and truly knows this is not who he is. Russell Westbrook has over 23,000 points in his career. He tops the list for most triple doubles in NBA history with 193. He may be in his worst form and poorest season, but nobody can say that he is not one of the greats. The fact that he used to assert class on the court is the reason he is getting so much stick for not performing.
WATCH THIS STORY: 5 games that prove Russ West criticism is not fair.
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USA Today via Reuters
Mar 14, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) controls the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Either way, Russ is an NBA veteran in his poor season and he might deserve criticism for that. However, it does not seem fair for someone to call him names and instigate him to get a reaction.
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