Most Los Angeles Lakers fans want to forget Russell Westbrook‘s stint with the team. When Westbrook was a Laker, the team was not at its best, and he was mostly criticized for not fitting in with his co-stars.
From a basketball perspective, Westbrook’s erratic shooting prevented him from having the best rapport with Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Defenders often left him open on the perimeter, and it clogged the paint.
Because of the awkward roster construction, the nine-time All-Star was blamed most of the time. With Westbrook, the Lakers did not make the playoffs, and they finished 11th in the Western Conference with a 33-49 record.
Nov 7, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (left) and guard Russell Westbrook (center) along with forward LeBron James (right) watch their team from the bench against the Utah Jazz in the fourth quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY SportsOn Sunday, 2016 NBA champion JR Smith gave his thoughts on Russell Westbrook’s Lakers stint.
“I understand what [Westbrook] was going through,” Smith said. “Given the passion that he has for the game, seeing people around who are supposed to be ‘the closest to you,’ your teammates and organization kind of flip on you, and then the fanbase — he’s an LA guy. I’m pretty sure he grew up a Lakers fan.
JR Smith on Westbrook's tenure with Lebron/Lakers: “I understand what [Westbrook] was going through. Seeing people around who are supposed to be ‘the closest to you,’ your teammates and organization kind of flip on you, and then the fanbase… it’s really tough (via pic.twitter.com/0fVsKwGd29
— Courtside News (@Daily__Hoops) August 30, 2026
“To have that type of experience with your home team, with your home city, it’s really tough.”
Westbrook averaged 17.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists for the Lakers. After his time with the franchise, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers before playing for the Denver Nuggets and the Sacramento Kings.
This summer, the former UCLA star wrapped up his basketball career and announced his retirement.
Kevin Durant Thought Russell Westbrook Could Still PlayRussell Westbrook showed last season with the Kings that he could still make an impact on any team. In his final season, Westbrook averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists. That’s why his retirement announcement surprised many, including his former co-star and close friend Kevin Durant.
In an interview with renowned journalist Speedy Morman last week, Durant expressed his candid opinions on Westbrook’s decision.
“I thought he could still play. I feel like he’d be a good veteran presence in a locker room that somebody would want him around,” Durant said. “But I heard he had a couple of offers that he just turned down. He just wanted to step away.”
Durant and Westbrook were teammates for eight seasons on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Early in their partnership, they led the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals. The All-Star duo also made the Thunder into consistent title contenders during their stint, making multiple postseason appearances.
More NBA News:
- Kevin Durant Admits Russell Westbrook Retirement ‘Hit’ Different as NBA Veteran Nears 20-Year Mark
- ‘Somebody Got To Take the Criticism’ — Jeff Teague Explains Why Russell Westbrook Became the Lakers’ Scapegoat
- Russell Westbrook Gets Emotional Backing as 12-Year NBA Veteran Blames Media for ‘Killing’ His Game
- Draymond Green Calls Out Fans for Russell Westbrook Treatment After Retirement: ‘Y’all Did Russ Wrong’
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