The Lakers certainly pocketed the victory against Charlotte, but Russell Westbrook still looked grim after the meeting. In fact, he was even berserk at a press conference! However, he disclosed the reason, in order to clarify matters.
If they were Anthony Davis and Carmelo Anthony who largely saved the Lakers against the Hornets (126-123, summary here), Russell Westbrook was not left out either. With 17 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists, the leader has once again blackened the stats sheet against Charlotte. We will notably remember his performance as a conductor in the first period, during which he distributed no less than 9 offerings to his teammates.
And yet the old Wizard was anything but happy after the game. Was it because of his clumsiness (5/15 shooting and 7 losses of ball)? Not at all, in fact. As Brodie explained during the press conference, he was still ruminating on the technical fault he suffered during the money time, after having exchanged a few words after the referee. The n ° 0 did not appreciate at all the way in which the latter addressed him:
Russell Westbrook in dispute with referee during Lakers-Hornets
They whistled a technique and then they, the ref was probably a little pissed off, I don’t know why, but he yelled at me. I told her not to yell at me… “I’m not your child, I have my own kids.” Don’t talk to me like I’m your child ”. So he gave me a technique, I agree with that, but at least they now understand that we are adults and if we speak to you with respect, others should do the same.
Known for his strong character, WestBeast is indeed not the type to be let down, especially if he feels he is disrespected. And then, this is not the first time that he has lost his temper against the referee: in 2017, he even threw a ball towards the head of a man in gray! Fortunately, the incident was much more harmless this time.
Above all, he did not prevent the Purpres and Ors from winning after extra time, allowing them to switch to the positive again (6-5). These kinds of matches are practically a must-win for Frank Vogel’s men, who need to build up confidence. Unlike last year, we have to show that the team can do the job in the absence of LeBron James. This is all the more true for RW, which must take over from distribution.
Russell Westbrook was not really cheeky, but we are sure the victory will have relieved him a little. However, he will have to keep himself under control, because a burst of lead at the wrong time could prove to be very detrimental.
