Lakers News: Shannon Sharpe Rips Russell Westbrook for LA's Failures

Lakers guard Russell Westbrook gets hammered by Shannon Sharpe.

Ryan Menzie | Aug 21, 2022

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Los Angeles Lakers

It wouldn't be a Lakers off-season without more media talking about Lakers guard Russell Westbrook and his play in a failed Lakers season. A Westbrook trade package has been speculated despite his huge expiring contract ($47.1M), but the Lakers may want to prepare in case he doesn't get shipped away.

Westbrook finished the season with the lowest points per game (18.5) since his first two seasons in the league shooting 44% from the floor and 67% from the free throw line. Numbers that should easily be forgotten if there is any hope of a resurgence in the upcoming season.

Undisputed's Shannon Sharpe believes Westbrook's inability to accept his role as the third option on the team led to the Lakers downfall. Westbrook remained the healthiest of the Lakers 'Big 3' but fans saw the number of unnecessary shots Westbrook took throughout the season (quotes via Undisputed).

“I believe if AD and LeBron had a third piece, or if Russ was willing to accept the role…Russ still sees himself as a number one that happened to be the third option…He’s unwilling to accept the role that would help the Lakers. I believe that would increase the Lakers’ chance or give them the best chance to contend for a title."

With all the speculation around Westbrook it has been hard to determine whether or not Westbrook wants to remain on the team. One thing is for certain, if Westbrook were to remain on the team he would need a backseat role.

Westbrook's gifted athletic ability and speed remain one of the best in the league, but the Lakers offense runs through LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Published Aug 21, 2022

RYAN MENZIE

Ryan Menzie | Lead Contributor Ryan is an LA Native who has grown up praising the greatest athletes LA has had to offer. A love for sports ranging between basketball, football, volleyball and golf, a future Sports Management Masters graduate, and being engulfed into organized sports since seven years old, the passion and love for sports never ends for Ryan. If the words he writes don't paint the full picture of his true fandom, he will find more ways than one to tell the story and be more than willing to open up a nice LA sports debate with you. Favorite Player: Kobe Bryant Favorite Moment: Kobe Bryant Final Game. Too many moments to choose from between Derek Fishers 0.4 second buzzer beater, the Lakers 3-peat or game seven against Boston, but can't beat a final memory like Kobe's final game.