Damian Lillard Pushes Back at Russell Westbrook Criticism: ‘That S--- Is Just Crazy to Me’

The Blazers guard defended his counterpart from the hate.

Russell Westbrook has been one of the most criticized players in the league over the past few years, despite the point guard’s ability to fill up the stat sheet. That criticism came to a head when Westbrook spent parts of two seasons with the Lakers, playing next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

While the public may be out on Westbrook, some NBA players seem to feel differently. Damian Lillard appeared on the Back on Figg podcast and defended Westbrook from those who believe he is no longer good.

“The fact that people talk on his name and how they be just making him an easy target and a subject, that s*** is just crazy to me,” Lillard said.

Blazers point guard Damian Lillard said the criticism of Russell Westbrook is not necessary :: Jaime Valdez/USA Today network

At his height, Westbrook would average a triple-double over the span of a full year, doing so four times in five seasons from 2016 to ’21. Some critics have accused the point guard of caring more about his stats than winning by actively trying to average a triple-double.

Lillard said he thinks that particular criticism is not fair to Westbrook.

“If I go out there and try my hardest to get a triple-double every game, I’m not doing it,” Lillard said. “That’s talent to be able to do something like that.”

While Westbrook’s numbers have declined over the past few years, Lillard doesn’t believe all the criticism has impacted his play. Instead, though, Lillard thinks Westbrook has had a tougher time dealing with the drama off the court.

“If people were speaking crazy, and every time I do something they act like it’s the worst thing, I’d feel violated,” Lillard said.

While Westbrook has bounced around the league recently, he seems to have found a new home with the Clippers as a veteran leader.