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Russell Westbrook’s struggles reached a brand new stage on Wednesday.
Because the Lakers wrestle to get above .500, the bewildering losses proceed to pile up. On Wednesday, the Lakers misplaced seven factors to an undermanned Pacers group after being outplayed 35-24 within the fourth quarter.
With Anthony Davis nonetheless sidelined with a knee harm, LeBron James performed the whole fourth sport however Westbrook was restricted to simply 4 minutes within the remaining body.
Westbrook, who shot 29.4 p.c from the sector within the sport, was drawn when the Lakers have been down simply seven factors with simply 4 minutes left, successfully ending his night time. As high-profile as Westbrook’s struggles have been, it is nonetheless harrowing to see a former MVP sit on the bench throughout clutch time of a must-win sport.
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After Westbrook was benched, the Lakers lowered the deficit to 5 earlier than the Pacers took a double-digit lead with 90 seconds left.
Here is why his night time ended early:
Why did the Lakers bench Russell Westbrook?
After the sport, Lakers head coach Frank Vogel gave a reasonably direct response when requested if he should not let the nine-time All-Star end the sport. Merely put, the win was the motivation.
Frank Vogel on his resolution to substitute Russell Westbrook for the ultimate 4 minutes of the sport: “Taking part in the fellows I assumed have been going to win the sport”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 20, 2022
Based on ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Vogel has been given clearance by Lakers Brass to teach Westbrook, which he believes is correct, even when it means being benched at essential moments in a sport. The reviews on the circumstances of Westbrook’s departure come about 48 hours after Vogel’s job was reported to be “critically in danger”.
MORE: Why Vogel’s LA job is on the road
As such, Vogel is making teaching selections along with his job reportedly at stake.
What did LeBron James say about Russell Westbrook being benched?
LeBron declined to touch upon damaging reviews about Vogel’s job safety, however when requested about Westbrook’s mood after the sport, he responded with one query: “Have you ever adopted Russ all through his profession? Do you suppose not being within the late sport would hassle Russ? There’s your reply.”
MORE: LeBron guarantees Lakers followers group will probably be higher
What did Russell Westbrook say in regards to the bench press?
Westbrook left the world with out addressing the media after the sport.
Russell Westbrook left the world with out chatting with reporters.
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) January 20, 2022
This season, Westbrook is averaging 18.5 factors, 8.0 rebounds, 7.8 assists and three.1 turnovers whereas capturing 43.3 p.c from the sector and 30.4 p.c from 3.
After falling to 22-23 with the loss to the Pacers, the Lakers launched into a six-game highway journey that can see them face off in opposition to a number of powerful opponents together with the Warmth, Nets and 76ers.
Lakers schedule 2021-22
| date | opponent | time (ET) | Nationwide TV |
| 21th January | at magic | 19.00 | – |
| January 23 | in warmth | 6:00 p.m | NBA TV |
| January twenty fifth | at nets | 19:30 o’clock | TNT |
| January twenty seventh | on the 76s | 19:30 o’clock | TNT |
| January twenty eighth | at hornets | 19.00 | – |
| January thirtieth | at Hawks | 1:00 pm | – |
| February 2nd | in opposition to Trailblazer | 10:30 p.m | – |
| 3 February | at Clippers | 10:00 p.m | TNT |
| February fifth | in opposition to curtsy | 8:30 p.m | ABC |
| February eighth | in opposition to Bucks | 10:00 p.m | TNT |
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