Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook is on the road to history, but he has his eyes focused on a bigger prize. With four triple-doubles in seven games and averaging almost 42 points per game so far this season, “The Russster” may be just three away from breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s single-season scoring record set over 50 years ago. However, despite being off to an explosive start that isn’t quite living up to expectations yet for many NBA fans, Westbrook says there’s not much need to worry about the Lakers’ slow start because of how long a season can be.,
The “los angeles lakers” are not panicking despite their team’s slow start. They know that the season is too long to be worried about a few games.
THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA — The new-look Los Angeles Lakers have preached patience, but a winless exhibition schedule, a slew of injuries, and now a 0-2 start to the regular season — which featured emotions spilling out in Friday’s defeat to the Phoenix Suns — would put any team’s commitment to the test.
However, Russell Westbrook, the former NBA MVP whom the Lakers spent a lot of money to get in the summer, stated he is alright with the Lakers’ present predicament.
“Honestly, I’m OK with adversity,” Westbrook said after the team convened for a film session on Saturday. “Over the course of a season, I never panic.” This is especially true towards the beginning of the season. There’s no need to do so. The season is much too lengthy, and no one is currently winning anything.
“Yes, it’s important to get off to a good start and feel good about yourself, but I prefer to make sure that as the season progresses, I’m continually getting better and better and better as the season progresses. And ensuring that my team and colleagues improve as we all get more familiar with one another.”
“Rightfully so,” Rajon Rondo said of Saturday’s film session, adding that breaking down game footage as a team was crucial to coach Frank Vogel’s success in leading L.A. to the title two seasons ago, as it establishes a basis for responsibility and engagement.
“If Frank is the only one in the room talking,” Rondo said, “he thinks we’re doing something wrong.” “As a result, a lot of people are talking — the coaches, the players, and so on. Not necessarily arguing or chatting, but more trying to understand one another since an open discussion allows us to build rapid chemistry on the court.”
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Prior to Sunday’s home game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Vogel described the discussion as “very healthy.”
“There was a lot of discussion,” Vogel added. “A number of very useful talks to attempt to clarify some of the coverages that we’re breaking down on… Today was a fantastic day for us in terms of progress.”
The Suns’ defeat was complicated by the fact that they shot 39.5 percent as a team, missed 12 layups, and were outscored 52-26 in the paint, and their defense gave up 71 points in the second and third quarters to Phoenix, who completed the game shooting 48.8 percent.
“Guys are learning to sprint alongside me and play a bit quicker. I’m learning new skills and getting away from the ball “Westbrook, who averaged 11.5 points on 35.7 percent shooting in the first two games, explained why. “I’m OK with the challenge of figuring it out and making sure we’re putting ourselves in a position to do the right things so that we can play our best basketball at the conclusion of the year.”
The club downplayed any residual effects from Dwight Howard and Anthony Davis’ altercation soon before halftime on Friday, which forced the two big men to be separated.
“It’s done, and we’re moving on to the next game,” Westbrook said.
However, another incident during the Suns game was recounted in more detail, this time between Rondo and a courtside supporter late in the third quarter.
Following the defeat, Rondo addressed the issue for the first time, but did not say precisely what the fan shouted to him, just that it was enough to make the point guard want to “kick the man out of the game.”
“What he said doesn’t really matter,” Rondo stated. “He didn’t make any threats to me. I didn’t make any threats. Words are being exchanged. I was able to take him out of the game.”
Rondo looked to form his left hand into the shape of a pistol while pointing at the supporter to ask the referee to intervene. After Rondo put his hand near the fan’s face, pushing his thumb down in a manner that might be interpreted as a trigger, the fan pulled Rondo away, and Staples Center security removed him from the venue.
“No,” Rondo responded when asked whether presenting his hand like a pistol was his intention.
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