4-Time NBA Champion & Hall Of Famer Went Off On Lakers’ Russell Westbrook

Former Laker and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal watched the Los Angeles Lakers struggle last season and addressed the Russell Westbrook situation. According to him, Russ was “just being too nice.” This goes against all the reports about Westbrook’s attitude. Former Lakers head coach Frank Vogel benched him several times and Russ was really frustrated. Lakers fans called him names and it was really messy.

The Hall of Famer has a different perspective for Russell Westbrook

O’Neal wouldn’t place the blame on Westbrook though. In 2021-22, Wess averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game. He finished second in turnovers and his field goal percentage reached 47.6%.

“I don’t think it was his age. I think he was just, and I say this respectfully, I just think he was showing too much respect,” O’Neal said. “I don’t care who I’m playing with it, I’m giving you 28. Fans pay a lot of money for me to make $100 million. I’m giving you 28. It’s not, ‘Every time I get the ball, look for the other stars.’ He can play, too. So when I got the ball, I’m gonna do my thing. He was just being too nice.

“I don’t know the relationship between him and LeBron (James), but if you put that down on paper, that’s a hell of a backcourt, Russell Westbrook and LeBron James. Why it didn’t work, I don’t know, but watching him play, he was super passive. I don’t need you to be passive, I need you to play your game. I’ll be calling plays, when you get the ball after they miss a shot, run, if you ain’t got nothin’, pull it out, give it to LeBron, and call some plays. That’s how it was for me, he was just thinking too much. He’s a guy that, when he plays freely, he’s a monster.”

The Lakers are still looking for a trade partner. They have been linked to several players and Rob Pelinka may soon call the Utah Jazz for some of their tradeable assets. The same goes to the New York Knicks.