Media

Magic Johnson urges Lakers fans to rally around Russell Westbrook and his family with earnest plea

Published by
Brad Sullivan

Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson recently urged fans of the team to show support for embattled guard Russell Westbrook and his family.

Westbrook has been the subject of intense criticism this season, which started with hopes that the Lakers would contend for their second title in three seasons.

Instead, the Lakers have floundered and are entering Wednesday night’s game against the Houston Rockets with a 28-36 record. Instead of challenging for the top record in the Western Conference, they are currently facing the possibility of not even reaching the postseason.

Chemistry issues are one of the reasons for the Lakers’ struggles this season. The nine-time All-Star hasn’t seemed to have found his footing with the team just yet.

On Monday, Westbrook’s wife Nina unleashed a series of tweets directed toward his critics that referred to harassment and apparent death threats directed at her husband and family.

Following the Lakers’ loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, Russell Westbrook echoed his wife’s words and indicated that his family no longer wants to attend games because of the harassment he receives.

Russell Westbrook had been the subject of trade talks leading up to last month’s trade deadline, but those talks failed to result in a deal. However, it seems like the Lakers will once again pursue a deal once the season ends.

Johnson’s stature within the Lakers organization is such that his impassioned plea may garner some results. He’s been connected to the organization for many years and maintains a strong bond with Jeanie Buss.

Brad Sullivan

Brad is a freelance writer for LakersDaily.com, who can clearly recall watching Lakers games in 1972 as they captured the first of their 11 Los Angeles-based titles. The franchise's evolution into a beloved and iconic franchise among its fan base since that memorable year allows for a wider perspective to be a part of his writing about the team's current fortunes.

Published by
Brad Sullivan

Recent Posts

Luka Doncic gushes about Jaxson Hayes’ impact for Lakers: ‘For me, it helps a lot’

Los Angeles Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes sat out four games earlier in the month…

March 18, 2025

Report: There was ‘initial fear’ that LeBron could ask out after he was not consulted about Luka trade

The Los Angeles Lakers' recent four-game losing streak notwithstanding, the team's decision to part ways…

March 18, 2025

Lakers insider reveals LeBron James and Rui Hachimura could return ‘by the end of the week’

The Los Angeles Lakers have lost three of their last five games played, and forwards…

March 18, 2025

Lakers insider says Jaxson Hayes will have suitors that will try to poach him in free agency

Los Angeles Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes hasn't suited up for the storied franchise since…

March 16, 2025

Antoine Walker says LeBron wasn’t actually ‘unguardable’ in pickup game with MJ: ‘That wasn’t the case’

Earlier this year, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James recounted a story about playing in…

March 15, 2025

Dorian Finney-Smith says he noticed JJ Redick was ‘a little off’: ‘All the greats are a little bit off’

Before veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and began playing…

March 14, 2025