Westbrook and Lakers indifferent to criticism from Magic Johnson

[ad_1]

Russell Westbrook isn’t bothered by Magic Johnson’s opinion of his and the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent performance.

Although he didn’t mention Johnson by name, LeBron James may have taken him to heart – as he actually apologized to Lakers fans on Sunday.

Johnson tore the Lakers apart after their 37-point loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night, which marked the second-worst loss of LeBron James’ career.

“After being knocked out by the Nuggets 133-96, we as Lakers fans can accept being overpowered, but we deserve more than a lack of effort and no sense of urgency,” Johnson tweeted. , the team’s former president and Hall of Famer. “Owner Jeanie Buss, you deserve better.”

While Johnson’s Twitter activity shouldn’t always be taken seriously, his scrutiny of the team isn’t extinguished.

The Lakers have lost three straight, including to the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings, and are only 21-22. If the regular season ended today, the Lakers would have to enter the qualifying tournament to qualify for the playoffs.

Westbrook insists he and his teammates pay no attention to Johnson’s grab.

“I have no reaction,” Westbrook said after the loss, via ESPN. “Everyone is entitled, in this world, to their opinion. Regardless of what it is. You can either pick it up and run with it, or pick it up and put it in one ear and out the other, or you can’t answer it..

“Magic is entitled to his opinion. And he’s not there every day. He’s not with us every day. He’s not aware of what’s going on internally with us and tries to understand things. But I don’t have an answer to that…Like I say, everyone in this world is entitled to their opinion and that’s it.”

Russell Westbrook “has no reaction” to Magic Johnson’s criticism of the Lakers. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The Lakers struggled against the Nuggets in the second half Saturday night in Denver. Nikola Jokic had his eighth triple-double of the season, and the Nuggets held the Lakers to 17 points in the final quarter. At some point in the final 12 minutes, Denver had a 42-point lead.

The story continues

James, who led the Lakers with 25 points and nine rebounds, left the arena shortly after the loss. It’s the first time since his rookie season that his team has a losing record at 43 games, according to ESPN.

James apologized to Lakers fans on Twitter on Sunday night.

The Lakers will have a two-game homestand, starting Monday with the Utah Jazz, before heading out on a six-game trip to the East Coast.

Although frustrating, Westbrook said Los Angeles’ problems can be solved quite easily.

“We just have to play hard,” Westbrook said, via ESPN. “Sometimes the patterns and the way you play doesn’t really matter. You just have to play hard sometimes. Teams play harder than us, it’s as simple as that.”

[ad_2]