Play.
Stephen A. asked if there was a single title for Westbrook's legacy.
The Lakers' struggles are being pointed out by Stephen A. Smith. (1:45)
8:00 AM
The Los Angeles Lakers star told the sports network that he was disappointed with his benching in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's loss to the Indiana Pacers, but that he remains undeterred about how to "figure out what's best for our team to win in the long run."
When asked if he was surprised that he was taken out of the game in the last four minutes, he said, "Surprised, yes." I was disappointed I didn't go back in, but I was more upset that we lost the game.
I wanted to be on the floor to help my teammates and help our team win, but that was a decision that was made.
According to a report on Thursday, the coaching staff had the authority to bench Westbrook in the telltale minutes of the game, and the coach said he played the guys that he thought were going to win the game.
The Lakers star didn't agree with his benching in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's loss to the Pacers, but is undeterred about figuring out how to help the team win in the long run.
When the Lakers arrived in Florida to begin a six-game Eastern Conference trip, they talked to the media about how important it was for them to be patient with him and give him time to get back to his best. One of the most disappointing teams in the Western Conference is the Lakers.
When things don't go well, you have to be OK, according to the man. I've done everything that's been asked of me here, and I'll ride this out as long as we can to win a championship.
I'm committed to making this thing work despite the fact that we haven't been fully healthy. To make this team work, we need to communicate with everyone in the organization.
I have accepted everything that has been asked of me and tried to do it to the best of my ability. I'm not the ultimate decision-maker if it's working or not. The most important part of this game is sacrificing some of the things that I've been able to do to win. I've done everything they've asked me to do.
The characterizations that he walked out of the locker room without meeting with reporters was not something that he was happy about. The organization requested that he skip the interview, according to the officials.
Despite a number of injuries and inconsistent lineups, the 33 year old insists that he's trying to carry out the wishes of the coach.
"I think the communication of whatVogel wants and how he wants it changes because guys have been in and out of the lineup," said Westbrook. Everybody is trying to figure it out. I try to put my head down and do the best I can for our team, and whatever is asked of me, I try to do it to the best of my ability. Since I got here, I've been trying to do that.
In a July trade with the Washington Wizards, the Lakers acquired All-Star guard Russell Westbrook. He has been to Houston, Oklahoma City and the Lakers. The process of learning to play with former Rocket James Harden and the Wizards' Bradley Beal was preparation for what would happen when he joined the Lakers.
"I think it's important to know that there are going to be a lot of ups and downs and struggles throughout the season, so that's part of the process of being on a new team," he said. It's been a challenge for the last three years. I rely on a lot of my faith to be able to stay locked in on my craft and find ways to make situations work. I'm trying to figure out how to be the version of myself that this team sees.
"I want to get better as the season goes on, and I have to take responsibility for the things I'm doing and how I'm making those around me better." We have a chance to win it all, and I know that I will be better for it.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
