“Can’t trust Russ”, Shannon Sharpe on whether Lebron can rely on Russell Westbrook in AD’s absence


“Can’t trust Russ”, Shannon Sharpe on whether Lebron can rely on Russell Westbrook in AD’s absence

Russell Westbrook, who is the point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has been struggling this season, and so has his team. His teammate, Anthony Davis, injured his knee on Friday while playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In his absence, a 37-year-old Lebron James will need to rely on someone else. Can Westbrook be that guy for the King? Shannon Sharpe disagrees.

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Shannon Sharpe: “You want a guy insufficient and turnover prone doing more? I need Russ doing less

Anthony Davis on Russell Westbrook
Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook

On the latest episode of the show Undisputed, Shannon Sharpe called out Russell Westbrook for being inefficient and turnover-prone, and also explained why Lebron James should not rely on him in the absence of Anthony Davis. Are these accusations valid? Well, Westbrook is having one of his worst seasons ever and has not been taking care of the ball, especially in the clutch. Although neither Anthony Davis nor Russell Westbrook has been consistent this season, AD is still the more impactful player.

I trust Russ 0 and that’s when AD wasn’t playing like AD. Do you want a guy that’s inefficient and turnover-prone doing more? I need Russ to do less,” said Sharpe.

Also read: “Pull your Socks up”- 3 Things that Russell Westbrook must do to remain at the LA Lakers

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Westbrook is not capable of acting as his replacement, but whether Shannon Sharpe likes it or not, Westbrook’s role is bound to increase. Shannon also points out how Westbrook has been slacking off on defense this season. He also says that if he is given a larger role, then his arrogant style of play would negatively affect the team. He is not someone who should be given a larger role, and this is true. He has been averaging 4.5 turnovers this season, so giving him a larger role before he fixes his turnover rate does not make sense.

The Lakers led by Lebron James are having a rollercoaster of a season, and for them to break through and be championship contenders again, Westbrook will have to step up. He is a great player but he is going through a slump right now. He must be listening to all the criticism, and considering the kind of person he is, he is surely going to have a big game soon enough. A game to quiet all the doubters; like Shannon Sharpe.

Also read: Lakers News: Anthony Davis to miss at least 4 weeks of action after MCL Sprain in left knee