“I liked the energy. For the first time, I saw Russ play without the pressure of expectation” Skip Bayless credits Russell Westbrook for Lakers’ first win of the season
Follow Us
Russell Westbrook and Skip Bayless
NBA analyst Skip Bayless heaped praises on Los Angeles Lakers’ deserted player Russell Westbrook as he took his team to the first win of the season. Skip often complained about Russell not stepping up to his job, but Westbrook’s performance in the game has silenced all his critics. Skip was very satisfied with Brodie’s performance and the Lakers team.
Skip Bayless was talking in the show ‘Undisputed,’ where he quoted, “The point was, Russ came off the bench, and with LeBron resting, especially in the second quarter, they just went crazy. The point was, if you look at the final boxscore, this is outrageously upside down to me because this never ever has happened.”
Skip added, “Meanwhile, Russ led the whole team and the whole game by being +18. Russ is 18/8/8, he winds up playing starter minutes. I liked the energy. […] I saw Russ play without the pressure of expectation for the first time.” The NBA world often demanded Russ to be traded as they thought he was never a better fit for them. However, such a comeback from him has got people talking in opposite directions.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach talks about Russell Westbrook’s ‘reserve’ role
LA Lakers coach Darvin Ham recently spoke about Russell’s bench role. Ham stated that Westbrook would flourish in his new role. Ham also said it is not easy for a senior player to give up his starting position and accept a new role, keeping the team’s betterment in mind. The coach further added that Russell Westbrook’s sacrifice would never go waste and would only help the team to perform much better.
Ham put him in a position where Russ will come off the bench and help the team score, assist, and rebound. Furthermore, it will give confidence to the young guns on the team. The bench role is ‘tailor-made’ for Brodie, as per the Lakers coach, as it is built for him to be in that role so that he gains his rhythm.
And when LeBron and AD are back on the court in full health, he will be a stern supporter for them they are competing at a very high level. It appears Westbrook will continue to come off the bench, at least for the time being, and if he continues to be efficient, it could be fruitful for him and the team.
Do follow us on Google News | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Stay Updated!
Rutuja Suryawanshi
(247 Articles Published)