Since Russell Westbrook arrived at the LA Lakers in 2021, he has received persistent negative attention from media outlets. This unfavorable coverage has ranged from attributing the team's failure to reach the playoffs to his performance, forcing him to operate off the bench for the first time in his career, and even after he sacrificed the most only to improve the harmony for the Clippers on the court, he was ultimately removed from the team. The subsequent waiver by the Utah Jazz only added to the disrespect shown towards Brodie, and with all heights being crossed, Oscar Robertson has had enough.
Robertson stands with Westbrook
While the 9-time All-Star's stint with the Lakers may be considered a past chapter, despite him doing everything from willingly sacrificing his starter role for James Harden to taking a pay cut to help the Clippers acquire better role players, the spotlight has always been showered on his evident decline on the hardwood.
Observing the 2017 MVP being traded between multiple teams quickly, Robertson vehemently criticized the league for its harsh treatment of Russ. Speaking to Clippers' beat writer - Joey Linn, the three-time All-Star Game MVP particularly denounced the tendency to highlight only the former's shortcomings while disregarding several of his unselfish contributions that most veterans in the modern-day NBA wouldn't even consider.
"For some strange reason, I don't know why they want to keep blaming everything that happens on him," Oscar said . "When he plays he is dynamic, he gives the team a spark. Then all of a sudden they don't care for him, they don't want him."
Westbrook has a chance to shut his naysayers
When the Denver Nuggets lost Kentavious Caldwell Pope to the Orlando Magic and Reggie Jackson to the Philadelphia 76ers, their backcourt was pretty thin. Looking for an experienced veteran who could fit into the team's unselfish style, the 2023 NBA Champs brought in Westbrook during the summer of 2024.
Now, for the first time in years, the 6'4" point guard has a real chance to quiet his critics if he can perform well alongside Nikola Jokic, who is all about making things easier for their teammates. That being said, with Robertson being on point about how unfairly Westbrook has been bashed despite his best efforts to showcase his team-first approach, it might be time for everyone to recognize that Russ is not just a once-in-a-lifetime triple-double machine but also a veteran whose unselfishness is often overlooked.
Related: "I hope he finds it" - Rasheed believes Westbrook's struggles in recent seasons are due to mental challenges
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