The Los Angeles Lakers have been subject to increasing criticism from their fans lately, nobody more than Russell Westbrook. LeBron James may have some sympathy for his teammate, but comments he made after Friday’s game were taken by some as an indication that there is a limit to that sympathy.
In his press conference after Friday’s win over the Wizards, James was asked about playing off the home crowd, and responded by saying he wants to give the crowd something to cheer for. However, part of his answer raised eyebrows when he suggested that Lakers fans have the right to respond to “bad basketball” however they see fit.
“The Laker faithful know when bad basketball is being played, and they know when good basketball is being played. They have the right to have any response they want,” James said, via Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen & Roll.
Feigen does note that James gave a similar response in his on-court interview immediately after the game, though that quote was notably missing the part about how Lakers fans have the right to respond however they want.
So what is the connection to Westbrook? The struggling Lakers guard has been frustrated with fan response to his play lately, and took particular offense to being nicknamed “Westbrick.” Some viewed James’ quote as a way to signal to Westbrook that it is pointless to worry about something like a nickname that does not qualify as vulgar or harassment. James does, after all, know the power of his words, and when he can use them to send a message.
Westbrook certainly has some reason to be bothered by how he and his family have been treated by some. However, James also knows that expectations are high among Laker fans, and frustration and criticism is inevitable when a team struggles as much as this year’s has.
Photo: Jan 21, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
