Russell Westbrook: “Whether the Lakers want me or not doesn’t matter”

“Whether the Lakers want me or not, it doesn’t matter,” point guard Russell Westbrook said Monday, determined to stay pro until the end with the Los Angeles Lakers before a season in which he will be expected around the corner.

“My job is to be professional, to work as I have always done and to do my job in the best possible way. We all have jobs where sometimes we don’t like people and don’t want us, you can testify to that, I’m sure, “the player said during the traditional media day.

“I am ready to do whatever it takes for this team to win,” added Westbrook, eager to show, despite all the criticism after a disappointing first season, that he is still ready to fight on the pitch.

Transferred to the Lakers in the summer of 2021, the former Thunder player, named MVP in 2017, never found his place on the California squad for his first year.

Weighted by injuries including Anthony Davis and even LeBron James, the 2020 champion finished in a disappointing 11th place in the Western Conference, effectively skipping the play-offs.

“I don’t have the answer at the moment,” he replied when asked what his team needed to get back into the top 6 in the West.

He showed marble again when asked if his starting role was threatened, particularly by the arrival of point guard Patrick Beverley: “I’m just excited to be back on the pitch, I can’t wait to start the season and whatever happens. , it will happen”.

The Beverly Competition

When he turns 34 in November, the nine-time All-Star point guard will make $ 47 million this season, after which he will be free of any contracts.

To strengthen themselves, the Lakers have repatriated Patrick Beverley, who played for the opposing team, the Clippers, from 2017-2021 to Los Angeles. Playing in the same position as Westbrook, the two leaders have had several fights on the ground in the past.

The former Timberwolves player, however, appears to have reconciled with Westbrook.

“I have been here for four weeks and if I had to choose a best friend on this team right now, it would be him. We are training at 6:30 in the morning together,” he assured.

“People think we have the worst relationship ever … but I know many of you don’t like each other too. But when you put two professionals together, two people who want to win, it works and to get where we want to go, we have to become good friends. “, he added.

Remarks aimed at reassuring Lakers fans. Just like those of Lebron James, who also shared his optimism about Westbrook’s next season: “It will be a great year for him. We will be behind him.”

Their season begins on October 18 with a trip to San Francisco for the reigning champions of the Golden State Warriors.

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