Skip Bayless calls Russell Westbrook UNDESERVING of a ring if Lakers win 2023 NBA title
Clippers star Russell Westbrook hints at his status as a player who deserves a ring
Follow Us
Credits: NBA
The Los Angeles Lakers finally make a comeback in the postseason after two rough seasons. The 2021-22 season was a stumbling road for the Lakers. The team had to fight for a 10th seed, though even then, they failed to contend in the Play-In tournament. The year was full of mistakes and poor performances by the players. They had changed their roster and players’ role multiple times but to no avail of a playoff contender.
Russell Westbrook was the new addition to the Laker team. In the previous season, Russ averaged 18 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. He wasn’t the best shooter on the team or a facilitator. Westbrook averaged nearly four turnovers in the same season. Though the former MVP is still a solid player, his first season as a Laker wasn’t the best for him.
Russ was traded to the Clippers via Utah in February. Till then, he had played 52 games for the Lakers while coming off the bench. About halfway through the season, Westbrook put up 16 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. While his performance had been slightly better than last year in other aspects, Russ seemed to play better as their sixth man. With the Lakers playing in the second round of the playoffs, Westbrook had a few words of recognition for himself as he told Patrick Beverley. “Hey Pat, Lakers win, I want my ring.”, said Beverley in his podcast.
This story was later known to the fans as well as the critics. Skip Bayless didn’t let Russ’ words slide so easily. He did term Russ as not deserving a ring due to his performance with the Lakers. “The operative word here is deserve and he does not deserve. Because he was to me, the biggest reason that they were on the way to missing the playoffs.”, said Skip. Westbrook had left the team when they had a record of 25-30. Though departure followed happy days for the Lakers.
Related: “He answered the bell” – Paul George STRONGLY backs up Russell Westbrook’s re-sign with Clippers
Russell Westbrook’s departure was best for him and the team
Following his departure, the Lakers went on an 18-9 run to finish the season. This run had the Lakers settle for a Play-In spot, as the team managed to advance to the playoffs.
Westbrook on the other hand had his time with the Clippers, as he seemed to be their missing piece. Though due to injuries, the Clippers couldn’t reach their best potential as they were eliminated in the first round.
It wasn’t the best idea for Russ to be hinting at him deserving a ring, though he certainly proved himself in the playoffs. With the Lakers establishing themselves as title contenders, it will be interesting to see whether they can defy all odds and win it all.
In case you missed:
- Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic or Giannis Antetokounmpo: Who won NBA MVP 2023?
- How many NBA players have won MVP and championship in the same season? Joel Embiid looking to join exclusive list
Do follow us on Google News | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Stay Updated!
Gerard Crispin
(3318 Articles Published)