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“You’re Playing Way Too F**king Fast”: Shaquille O’Neal Seen Giving Mid Game Advice to Russell Westbrook During Lakers vs Magic

Published 01/23/2022, 7:30 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

In the recent Lakers vs Magic game, Shaquille O’Neal proceeded to help out Russell Westbrook by giving him some advice. The two had a brief conversation during the game when Shaq was sitting courtside. Shaq can be seen telling Westbrook that he is playing “way too f***ing fast”. It isn’t quite clear what else both men are saying, as the rest of the conversation is extremely difficult to make out.

Russell Westbrook is undeniably a great talent in the sport of basketball. He has won the MVP award and has been selected to various All-Star teams. He made a huge impact in the Oklahoma City Thunder outfit when they competed in the finals.

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Russell Westbrook’s current season

Russell Westbrook has long been a player who has polarized NBA fans and media personalities. He was once one of the best Point Guards in the league. However, ever since he moved out of the OKC, his performances have been largely average, barring a few exceptional performances every now and then.

USA Today via Reuters

During his time in the Lakers, it can be seen that he does not put much effort into defense. Additionally, his shooting percentage has gradually deteriorated. He is known for making unnecessary and costly turnovers. Westbrook is currently averaging 4.6 turnovers per game.

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What Shaq meant by his advice to Russell Westbrook

Westbrook is unquestionably at his best when the game is played at a quick pace. Westbrook has a knack for driving to the basket as quickly as he can. Moreover, he likes to set up his teammates for transition jumpers and fast-break plays.

However, from time to time, a Point Guard needs to slow the game down and control his pace. This is probably what Shaq‘s advice to Westbrook meant. Westbrook has always been blamed for having a very erratic playing style and committing unnecessary turnovers. If he plays at a stable pace while controlling the game, his abilities as a Point Guard would skyrocket.

USA Today via Reuters

It is easy to get out of control and carried away when one is playing at a very fast pace.

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The Lakers eventually won the game. Westbrook had a pretty decent night himself. He scored 18 points, 7 assists, and 11 rebounds. Moreover, he added to his stat sheet by having a good 8-17 field goal percentage.

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Westbrook has always been a terrific player who can have a positive impact on a team’s success. The Lakers can turn into a very competitive team if they figure out the most optimal way to use Westbrook. This is highly needed as half the season is over, and playoffs are approaching.

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Written by:

Abhinav Bhalla

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Abhinav Bhalla is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a 5th year law student and has had a passion for Basketball and NBA since his early childhood. He has competed at school, university and national levels himself, and has a deep analytical appreciation for the sport.
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