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Shaquille O’Neal Defends Courtside Exchange With Russell Westbrook, Reveals Advice: “Don’t Go a Million Miles An Hour”
Russell Westbrook is struggling with the Los Angeles Lakers this season. His performance has not been up to the mark and fans have been criticizing him for the same. Westbrook is a great player and has set high standards and therefore people expect a lot more from him.
In the game between the Lakers and the Magic, Shaq was in attendance. During the match, we saw him engaging Westbrook in conversation. Shaq’s video went viral in which he tells Westbrook not to get caught up in playing too fast by saying: “playing way too f***ing fast.”
During an NBA on TNT show, he was asked about his conversation with Westbrook and he explained the situation by saying: “People think we were having an argument or a beef. That’s not the case. I love Russ, I care about Russ, and when you’re not playing well, people take shots. I don’t like seeing people coming at my guy. I was watching him, analyzing him, I said, slow down.” He then continued, “Slow your game down, pace yourself. You don’t have to go a million miles an hour.”
Shaquille O’Neal advised Russell Westbrook not to get too fast in the game
Talking about the criticism Westbrook has received through his performance doesn’t seem to stop any time soon. Even after the victory over the Orlando Magic, Westbrook addressed the media, saying: “My job as a player, as a professional, is to do my job, continue to find ways to be able to help impact winning,” Westbrook told ESPN. “That’s all I was thinking about and turned the page to do and that’s what I tried to do tonight.”
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
His performance in that game was incredible, as he finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and three steals. As a result of the victory, the Lakers moved back up to .500 with a 23-23 record.
Shaq’s observation is not wrong either, as Westbrook is being put under more and more pressure the closer we get to the championship. Despite not being as good as the young Westbrook, he is getting there.
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Don’t forget to let us know what you think about Westbrook’s performance and Shaq’s statement.
The post Shaquille O’Neal Defends Courtside Exchange With Russell Westbrook, Reveals Advice: “Don’t Go a Million Miles An Hour” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
