While LeBron James and Anthony Davis came together for 67 points, 22 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks against the Golden State Warriors, Russell Westbrook’s debut season with the Lakers took off to a disappointing start.
Westbrook failed to deliver on the opening night of the 2021 regular-season, putting on display a poor shooting form for LA.
The new Lakers guard hit just 4-of-13 shots and missed all four of his 3-pointers for eight points, five rebounds, four assists, four turnovers and nothing else in 35 minutes of Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors.
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Russ matched his total number of games with single-digit points, rebounds and assists from his previous 133 games combined.
Westbrook was not in a talkative mood during his post-game interview.
Anthony Davis, who went for 30+ points against the Warriors in the season-opener, said Russ was hard on himself after the loss, and LeBron and him were telling Russ it’s a long process, with a lot ahead.
“We just want him to be himself. …Be Russell Westbrook,” said Davis in his post-game interview.
Westbrook’s response when asked about this exchange after the game – “We talked.”
LeBron James wants Russell Westbrook to go easy on himself as well since the season has only begun.
“I just don’t want him to be so hard on himself,” said James.
LeBron says he thinks it was “first-game jitters” regarding Westbrook struggling in his Lakers debut.
“I don’t worry about Russ at all. He just needs to be himself”
Frank Vogel says that Russell Westbrook has perhaps the biggest adjustment of any new player because his usage is traditionally so high, and now he’s playing alongside LeBron and AD. It will take time.
“He’s the new guy, and he’s gotta find his way,” Vogel said.
On the Lakers loss to the Warriors, Anthony Davis said the Lakers have guys playing out of position on defense right now due to their injuries.
“I think we’ll be fine… We’ve just got to continue to push, continue to get better.”
