Fans of the Los Angeles Lakers were surprised recently when it was announced that Russell Westbrook suffered an injury during the team’s final preseason game.
That was shocking for two reasons.
Firstly, Westbrook is rarely ever hurt – say what you want about him but he has stayed healthy for nearly all of his career.
Secondly, the injury came just minutes into Westbrook’s new role as a bench player for the Lakers.
Westbrook believes coming off the bench could have caused the hamstring strain.
"Absolutely, I’ve been doing the same thing for 14 years straight. Honestly, I didn’t even know what to do pregame."
(Via @kylegoon) pic.twitter.com/LZ4o0bY8GO
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 19, 2022
Some people thought that maybe Westbrook was walking off the court because he was upset about what he considered a demotion.
Westbrook claimed that wasn’t the case but he doesn’t seem happy about being a bench player.
In fact, he thinks that might have caused his injury.
When asked if coming off the bench caused his soreness and pain the other night, Westbrook said it’s possible.
“Absolutely, I’ve been doing the same thing for 14 years straight. Honestly, I didn’t even know what to do pregame.”
That’s a surprising response from Westbrook and it’s not going over well with fans of the team.
Westbrook’s New Role
There are a few Lakers fans who are upset by what Westbrook is saying.
The fact that he is blaming his recent injury on what could be considered a lessened role with the Lakers doesn’t make him look like a true team player.
Fans think that Westbrook should gladly take any task given to him by head coach Darvin Ham.
This doesn’t bode well for the rest of the season.
If the Lakers struggle, there is a good chance that Westbrook will come off the bench several times.
Will he end up being hurt after each of those occasions?
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