Russell Westbrook Apr 5, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

NBA fans sharpened their Twitter blades and ripped the Los Angeles Lakers after a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers Sunday dropped their record to 0-3.

It’s not just that the Lakers lost, 106-104. They played poorly in crunch time. They shot just 6-of-33 from behind the arc. Their shot selection literally made fans and broadcasters alike shout “Oh no!”

Check out this ill-advised shot from Russell Westbrook with the Lakers clinging to a 1-point lead in the final minute. Westbrook took the shot with 17 seconds left on the shot clock.

Westbrook’s shot drew surprised reactions from LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Actually, they might have been looks of disgust.

 

James played well, scoring 31 points, and Davis added 22 points and 10 boards. Westbrook, however, continued to struggle, shooting 4-of-15 from the floor and scoring 10 points. His stats through three games are ugly: 10.3 points per game, 28.9% field goal percentage, and 8.3% from long distance.

Fans on Twitter were not kind to Westbrook.

This is what the Lakers have built, allowing an aging James to pick his teammates and direct the future of the franchise.

“A 37-year-old LeBron James leading Los Angeles Lakers against Portland Trail Blazers isn’t just a testament to his greatness,” Bill Eshun tweeted.” It also shows the Lakers need major reinforcements as a franchise.”

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.