Damian Lillard Takes Shot at Lakers for Benching Russell Westbrook

Damian Lillard did not like how the Lakers handled now LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook

As the Los Angeles Lakers attempted to optimize Russell Westbrook's fit, one of their final plans was to have him come off the bench. Westbrook accepted the role, and played it nicely, appearing in 49 games off the bench for the Lakers this season before being traded to the Utah Jazz.

Having never come off the bench before in his career, this was a new experience for Westbrook, and one that did not last beyond his time with the Lakers. After signing with the LA Clippers following his buyout with the Utah Jazz, Westbrook took over their starting point guard role.

During a recent Showtime Sports podcast episode, Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard took a shot at the Lakers for bringing Westbrook off the bench, saying, "Then they got Russ coming off the bench like he’s not a Hall-of-Famer… Man, that’s Russell Westbrook. Like what?"

Damian Lillard brought up Russell Westbrook’s situation with the Lakers when talking about his own future:

“Then they got Russ coming off the bench like he’s not a Hall-of-Famer… Man, that’s Russell Westbrook. Like what?”

🎥: @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/yaiaMpqqO0

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) June 8, 2023

Lillard's comment was part of a longer answer about his own future, with his ultimate point being the uncertainty that comes with joining a new team. While it is no secret that Lillard wants to compete for a championship, he understands that simply being traded to a perceived contender is far from a guarantee when it comes to competing for a title.

Strengthening his point with Westbrook's situation, Lillard wants people to understand that not every situation works out the way people think it will.

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