Inside The Nets

Kevin Durant Defends Russell Westbrook From Criticism

Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant defended Los Angeles Lakers guard and former teammate Russell Westbrook

Joey Linn

© Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook is one of the most criticized players in the entire NBA. This criticism has only increased over the last year, with his play in Los Angeles being subpar. While Westbrook has not played to the level he or the Lakers hoped for, much of the criticism he receives is unwarranted.

This unwarranted criticism was on full display during a recent pre-season game, when videos went viral of Westbrook standing away from his teammates while they were huddled up both pre-game and during the game. The reason for that has since been provided, as both Westbrook and his teammates confirmed that he was talking to the coaching staff.

Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant recently defended his former teammate, saying the criticism has gone beyond basketball:

Durant and Westbrook have a complicated history together. Of course teammates on Oklahoma City, the two seemed to have a strenuous relationship after Durant left for Golden State. Their on-court battles no longer contain this level of hostility, as time seems to have healed some the hard feelings that existed following Durant's exit.

Watching his former teammate be criticized the way he has been, Durant came to his defense, saying NBA dialogue has reached a toxic level. While most players can accept on-court criticism, anything that extends beyond that is extensive, and Durant feels that has happened with Westbrook.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn32@sbcglobal.net Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis, insight, and reporting Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Receiving a media credential during the 2021-22 season, Joey has experience interviewing NBA players, and developing exclusive stories from these interviews. Having appeared on several different NBA podcasts over the last four seasons, Joey is now hosting his own podcast for The Sporting Tribune. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Now graduated, Joey is covering the NBA full-time across multiple platforms. Credentialed by the Clippers, Joey covers the team daily with articles, podcasts, and video breakdowns on YouTube. With four years of sports media experience, Joey provides expert insight and analysis for NBA fans across the league.

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