Magic Johnson over the weekend joined the chorus of people who have criticized Russell Westbrook, but the Los Angeles Lakers legend is now changing his stance.
Johnson appeared on ESPN’s “NBA Countdown” on Saturday and had some harsh words for Westbrook. He advised Westbrook to stop sparring with the media and start taking accountability for his poor play. Johnson also may have referred to Westbrook as “Westbrick,” which is the play on words people have been using to taunt the Lakers guard. You can see the video here.
On Tuesday, Johnson decided to totally change his tune. He called on Laker Nation to support Westbrook.
Laker Nation, it's our responsibility to come together and support Russell Westbrook and his family. Threats and attacks on the Westbrook family are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. There's no place in sports for this type of behavior, period. @russwest44
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 8, 2022
Russell plays an important role on the @Lakers team and will be a key component to the success of the rest of the season and the NBA Playoffs. Let's do better, rally around the Westbrook family, and support them. @russwest44
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 8, 2022
Johnson said that the supposed harassment Westbrook’s family has dealt with is “completely unacceptable.” That was a response to Westbrook’s wife Nina blaming Skip Bayless for bringing negative attention to Russell, which she says has led to death threats.
Westbrook spoke out about the “Westbrick” taunts after Monday night’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He said he is no longer going to tolerate fans disrespecting his name.
That was quite the turnaround for Magic. In just three short days, he went from saying the Westbrook trade could be the worst in Lakers history to publicly supporting the struggling nine-time All-Star.
Photo: Mar 23, 2018; Omaha, NE, USA; NBA former player Magic Johnson watches during the first half between the Clemson Tigers and the Kansas Jayhawks in the semifinals of the Midwest regional of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
