Always so dominant in the management of the ball this season at the Lakers, Russell Westbrook does not manage to find his best level. A referee recognizes this, and perhaps explains part of the problem: he is not treated the same way as the other players.
With averages of 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists this campaign, Russell Westbrook achieves interesting statistics with the Lakers. Most are similar to what he does in his career, and his drop in points is explained by the presence of other stars. However, his handling of the ball, as well as his defense, are two elements that tarnish everything.
Because on arrival, the Westbrook case divides enormously in the City of Angels. Many hoped for a bigger impact, but number 0 fails to shine consistently. Are the referees responsible for this? Maybe partially, and we’re going to talk about free throws here.
Russell Westbrook penalized by officials?
With 7 attempts per game since the beginning of his throwing career, Russ is a player who often goes on the line. No wonder when you know that he assiduously attacks the circle, even if that changes this year. With 5 throws on average on this exercise, he has never been so low as during his sophomore season… and a referee explains why.
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Ken Mauer admits Russell Westbrook receives an unfair whistle
“We miss on him and we miss on him because he was so strong, he’d finish. He’d get fouled, and we’d missed plays on him. And I’d go back and look at plays and I’d come to him after the game,” pic.twitter.com/Xz4w95J2qS
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) February 25, 2022
Ken Maure admits Russell Westbrook received unfair whistles: “Sometimes we miss fouls on him, because he’s so strong, he finds a way to finish. He gets a foul, but we miss it all. Sometimes I come back to see the action and talk to him after the game. »
Too strong, Westbrook manages to finish towards the circle when he is the victim of a fault. It’s a little less the case with the Lakers, but it’s obviously damaging for the point guard, who shouldn’t be penalized by all that. It’s up to the officials to do a better job, especially in view of this second half of the season.
What is certain is that the lack of respect for the star is very important, as evidenced by his recent rating on NBA 2K22. Fans are now hoping for a miracle, with a wake-up call for this finals, perhaps before the playoffs. Because after all, the ticket is far from won.
Badly refereed, Russell Westbrook can logically be angry on the floors. However, the problem is elsewhere for the leader, who will have to react in the months to come. Otherwise, no one will want him in view of his contract.