Russell Westbrook on His Struggles: “Honestly, I Think I’ve Been Fine… People Are Expecting Me to Have F**king 25, 15 and 15, That Is Not Normal”

The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines after their blockbuster trade in the off season. They acquired Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards to form a ‘Big 3’ of their own. However, things have not worked out as expected so far. But Westbrook feels that he is doing well for the Lakers and that there are too many expectations on his back.

At the beginning of the season, it was clear that Westbrook was struggling to get things going. He had a major shooting slump and was giving up major turnovers every game. However, since then Brodie has changed things up. He has reduced the unforced turnovers and is shooting much more efficiently. Still, it hasn’t been enough for the Lakers.

Dec 9, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a basket during the first half against the Memphis Grizzles at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking to the media for the first time since their Christmas loss, Russ opened up about the expectations set on him.

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Russell Westbrook things he is doing okay

While talking to ESPN, Russ spoke about his shooting slump and also his role on the Lakers. He said there were just too many directions given to him and he is done with them. Moreover, he feels that he has been good but the fans and everyone have a few rare expectations.

Westbrook said: “Honestly, I think I’ve been fine. The conversation has been heavily on how I’m playing and what I’m doing, but I think people are expecting me to have f***ing 25, 15 and 15, which, that is not normal. Everybody has to understand, like, that’s not a normal thing that people do consistently.”

Being the third option on the Lakers, Russ has done his part so far. Putting up nearly 20 points a game to go with 7 rebounds and 8 assists is a great contribution. In addition, he has stepped up most times in the absence of either Anthony Davis or LeBron James. But his prior reign has set too many expectations on him.

While the guard has his style of play, with the stars around him, he can’t average those kind of numbers. Making a triple double his bread and butter, fans now expect Russ to put up those kind of numbers, While Brodie is nearly averaging a triple double, he is still adjusting to his role which is constantly changing with injuries around.

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He has lessened his shot attempts by a lot and his attacking the rim more than often. With his turnovers, Russ is making sensible plays and not forcing anything. Hence, Russell Westbrook has kept his end of the bargain for the most part so far. Do you think Westbrook can step his game up more? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Russell Westbrook on His Struggles: “Honestly, I Think I’ve Been Fine… People Are Expecting Me to Have F**king 25, 15 and 15, That Is Not Normal” appeared first on EssentiallySports.