Media

Here’s what Russell Westbrook had to say after getting benched again

Published by
Orel Dizon

The Los Angeles Lakers earned an overtime win against the New York Knicks on Saturday.

However, one of the most notable stories of the game wasn’t exactly a positive one for Lakers guard Russell Westbrook. He was benched again to close out the match.

After the contest, Westbrook said that winning is “all that matters.”

“The best part of this game is that you win,” Westbrook said. “Guys competed. We won the game and that’s all that matters.”

It was certainly a bad game for the former MVP, who finished 1-for-10 from the field. There was even an instance in the fourth quarter when the Lakers crowd yelled at him to not shoot a 3-pointer.

Even though he played poorly on Saturday, Westbrook has still been somewhat of an asset for L.A. this season. He is averaging 18.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists per match.

The nine-time All-Star understands that bad outings happen.

“It happens,” he said. “I missed some shots that I normally make. Like I said, I don’t want to keep making it about me. When I play bad, you guys ask me a s— ton of questions. And then when I shoot the ball well, I don’t hear too many of those questions. So I don’t want to keep making it about me and what I’m doing. We won the game and that’s the most important part.”

Fortunately for the Lakers, the squad was reinforced on Saturday by a returning LeBron James, who had missed the previous five games. The Lakers star was instrumental in helping the team recover from a massive deficit against New York. He recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.

Anthony Davis also had a strong showing, posting 28 points, 17 rebounds, three steals and four blocks.

L.A. is currently 26-28 on the season, good for the No. 9 spot in the Western Conference. The team will look to earn another win on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Orel Dizon

Orel is excited about the prospect of “Showtime Lakers” making a comeback, thanks to the presence of the King and the arrival of the Brow.

Published by
Orel Dizon

Recent Posts

Sources: Lakers have strong interest in re-signing Luke Kennard

The Los Angeles Lakers have strong interest in re-signing Luke Kennard this offseason, sources told…

March 16, 2026

Sources: Lakers to offer Austin Reaves $240M, have ‘no fear’ of losing him in FA

The Los Angeles Lakers plan to offer Austin Reaves a five-year, $240 million contract this…

March 11, 2026

Sources: LeBron James not interested in playing for the Warriors

LeBron James is not interested in playing for the Golden State Warriors next season if…

March 9, 2026

Sources: Steph Curry, Draymond Green to ‘heavily recruit’ LeBron this offseason

Golden State Warriors legends Stephen Curry and Draymond Green will heavily recruit LeBron James this…

March 2, 2026

Sources: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves to have big say in if LeBron is back with Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason for the…

February 27, 2026

Report: Feeling around NBA is LeBron will play ‘at least’ one more season

Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward LeBron James turned 41 years old during the ongoing 2025-26…

February 19, 2026