Russell Westbrook's first season with the Los Angeles Lakers has been bumpy, to say the least. The Lakers have a .500 record midway through the season and don't look fit to compete for a title despite overhauling the roster in the offseason.
Westbrook has been an ugly cold stretch lately and got trolled by the Sacramento Kings for it. As his name gets thrown around in trade rumors, he isn't worrying one bit.
Per Sam Amick of The Athletic:
“I never worry,” he fired back. “Do the job. Be professional. Every year, my name is in trade (rumors). It never, never, never seeps into how I approach what I do. It’s kind of what I was mentioning back there (during the press conference). I see this game so different (in terms of) how to use it to be able to impact things.
“Regardless of if (a trade) did happen or if it didn’t happen, nothing’s going to change my mentality or my purpose. I feel like I have a purpose that’s bigger than basketball and I always keep that as my forefront regardless of what happens inside of pro sports.”
Westbrook's tough mentality allows him to fight through adversity with ease. But it may also cause some, too. His uncompromising way of playing the game has cost the teams he has previously played on. This is likely going to be his best shot at winning a ring while he is still one of the better players in the league.
The Lakers' issues are not all Westbrook's fault. But he certainly can raise his level of play and help the Lakers improve.
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