Lakers Star LeBron James Discusses Russell Westbrook Situation

LeBron James and Russell Westbrook entered the new season as teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers roster, but Russ’ situation doesn’t look great at all. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka refused to trade Westbrook when teams called him and the one-time NBA MVP is still a Laker. The Lakers received offers, but each and every suggestion included Russ and first-round selections. Pelinka wouldn’t get anything great in return.

The NBA media tries to get involved in the Westbrook drama, but LeBron drew a line. He would never push a teammate down the hill. Westbrook may be struggling on the floor, but LeBron stood by his side.

“I feel like this is an interview of trying to set me up to say something,” LeBron told the media following the loss to the Trail Blazers on Sunday. “I can tell that you guys are in the whole Russell Westbrook category right now. I don’t like to lose. I hate to lose at anything. I don’t care what happens throughout the course of my season or throughout the course of my career, I hate to lose. And especially the way we had this game. But give credit to Portland.

“You guys can write about Russ and all the things you want to try to talk about Russ, but I’m not up here to do that. I won’t do it. I’ve said it over and over. That is not my [M.O.]. That’s not who I am.”

LeBron James, Darvin Ham approach the Russell Westbrook issue carefully

Westbrook is in a difficult situation, averaging 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. His shooting struggles continued and Russ shoots 28.9% from the field.

Head coach Darvin Ham benched Westbrook and he had a great reason to do so.

“We don’t have time for feelings or people being in their feelings. Like, we’re trying to turn this thing around,” Ham told the media. “For one person to be in their feelings about when and where and how they should be in the game, I don’t have any time for that.”

The Lakers head coach will try to find the best role for his players. Seeing Russ come off the bench? Why not?