Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Lakers is putting on a happy face ahead of the new NBA year.
Everyone knows that the former MVP didn’t have an amazing season in 2021-22.
He hit career lows in multiple ways, averaging 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1
Following that, the team was obviously attempting to trade Westbrook away but no other team wanted to sign him.
That means that he is returning to a team that doesn’t want him.
But he’s being very professional about that situation.
"Whether [The Lakers] want me here or not doesn't really matter. My job is to be a professional and show up to work like I've always done… We all have jobs that sometimes people at our jobs don't like us or don't want us there."
— Russell Westbrookpic.twitter.com/bFfFUfNaXZ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) September 26, 2022
During media day, Westbrook was asked if the Lakers were happy about him coming back for his second season.
Westbrook was quite honest and diplomatic with his response:
“Whether [The Lakers] want me here or not doesn’t really matter. My job is to be a professional and show up to work like I’ve always done… We all have jobs that sometimes people at our jobs don’t like us or don’t want us there.”
Westbrook has a point: he is there to do a job.
He’s also right that he’s going to show up every game – something he has never had a problem with.
Westbrook’s Revenge Season?
Westbrook could definitely rebound in 2022-23 and look more like his former self.
If he does, this will delight LA fans and will silence the critics who have been eager to capitalize on his misfortune.
Westbrook is a hard worker: he is rarely ever injured and shows up ready to play in every game.
The problem last season was that Westbrook didn’t fit in the team’s lineup and he was also completely off his game when it came to his shots, he was obviously thrown off and in his own head.
With some more confidence and practice and a coach that finds a better spot for him, Westbrook could be much, much better.
NEXT: NBA Insider Reveals Latest Lakers Trade Rumor