The preseason for the 2021-22 NBA season is underway in full swing. Los Angeles Lakers, who have now played three games, are yet to register a win. In their defense though, they were without LeBron James and Russell Westbrook in the first two preseason games. The Lakers handed Westbrook his debut against Golden State Warriors earlier today.
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However, despite fielding a lineup of DeAndre Jordan, Malik Monk, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Kent Bazemore, the Lakers lost 121-114. Westbrook played 41 minutes and scored just 2 points.
It’s just the preseason, so Westbrook’s debut performance isn’t any sort of warning for the Lakers. However, looking at the numbers, it was a disappointing performance from the 32-year-old point guard; he played just the first half of the game.
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NBA Twitter reacts to the disappointing Lakers debut of Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook looked rusty in his Lakers debut vs the Warriors. It didn’t go down well with the fans, who took to Twitter to roast his game.
Russell Westbrook in the 1st quarter of his Lakers debut... 😬 0 points 2 rebounds 1 steal 7 turnovers 9 minutes
Russell Westbrook's Lakers Debut so far 😭
I think Westbrook may be the only person in the world where we CARE ABOUT A PRESEASON DEBUT😂 like who gaf about some turnovers in a game that don’t matter or don’t count.
Westbrook not having a good Debut but it doesn’t count so..
But I got cooked for saying patty mills >> Russ
This Westbrook showed up 1st quarter
How the fuck do you turn the ball over 7 times in 9 minutes
Russell Westbrook in the 1st quarter of his Lakers debut... 😬 0 points 2 rebounds 1 steal 7 turnovers 9 minutes
However, Westbrook now has new teammates, and it’s hard to adapt to a new team quickly. He only played the first half of the game that ended in the favor of the Warriors.
He managed just two points from 1-6 shooting. Apart from that, he bagged just four assists and seven rebounds; not an ideal debut for someone who has returned home after 13 seasons away from home. But thankfully, it’s just the preseason, and he has some time to settle in with his new team.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 6, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (left) with guard Russell Westbrook prior to the preseason game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Davis, who started the previous two preseason games, missed the third game. But Frank Vogel is yet to start LeBron, Russ, and Davis together. Everyone wants to see how the Lakers perform with their star trio.
The Lakers play their next preseason game at home against Phoenix Suns. This could be the game where the trio of LeBron, Westbrook, and Anthony Davis could feature in the starting lineup.
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