Media

Russell Westbrook breaks silence on 4th-quarter benching during Lakers-Pacers game

Published by
Justin Benjamin

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Russell Westbrook finally revealed his thoughts on getting benched during the final minutes of the team’s 111-104 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.

The 2017 MVP told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski he was astonished by the benching and did not agree with it, though he remains committed to the team.

“Surprised, yes,” Westbrook said. “I was disappointed I didn’t go back in, but I’m more disappointed that we lost the damn game.”

“I want to be able to be on the floor to help my teammates and be able to help our team win in games like that — but that was a decision that was made.”

Westbrook, 33, collected 14 points on 5-of-17 shooting from the field and gathered three assists and two rebounds.

The Lakers’ management granted Vogel permission and assurances to be harsh with coaching Westbrook. The team reportedly had been thinking about benching him in late-game situations for a while.

While the the guard did not talk with the media following the dramatic situation on Wednesday, he told Wojnarowski he is eager to aid the Lakers in winning a championship.

“Ultimately, you have to be OK when s— doesn’t go well and I’m OK,” Westbrook told ESPN. “I’ve done everything that’s been asked of me here, and I’ll continue to do so and ride this out as long as we can toward our ultimate goal — and that’s to win a championship.”

The Lakers haven’t played anywhere close to championship basketball. In fact, they’re barely holding onto playoff hopes, as they are currently the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.

On the season, Westbrook is averaging 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game.

Justin Benjamin

Justin’s enormous respect for LeBron James has ignited him to write for the King and Lakers. His all-around analysis and heart for the game has made him a stellar NBA writer and proud staff writer for Lakers Daily.

Published by
Justin Benjamin

Recent Posts

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

D-Wade says LeBron ‘put some extra heat’ on Bronny by saying he was better than some NBA players

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and ESPN star Stephen A. Smith have been in…

March 14, 2025

Skip Bayless destroys Luka’s impact without LeBron: ‘Most of his points felt like empty calories’

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic had some big numbers on Thursday against the Milwaukee…

March 14, 2025

Shaq says LeBron is trying to set records that will never be broken: ‘I know what he’s doing’

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James set another NBA record recently. In the team's March 4 blowout…

March 13, 2025