After a crushing loss to the Boston Celtics on Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers will continue their East coast road trip in Brooklyn on Monday for a game against Kyrie Irving and the Nets.
It’s the second time this season these teams are meeting, and also the last time they will meet unless both teams make the NBA Finals this year.
Needless to say, this is going to be the game of the night and a very important one for the struggling Lakers.
So when Russell Westbrook was seen on the court to prepare hours before tip-off, it wasn’t particularly surprising to anyone who has been paying attention. As he passed by, Nets star Kyrie Irving even acknowledged Russ with a special shoutout in a clip that has gone viral online.
Leave it to Russ to be the first one on the court. Even in the middle of what has been a disappointing season, his work ethic and passion for the sport have not wavered, and Irving is someone who clearly respects that.
Sadly, all of Westbrook’s work hasn’t been enough for the Lakers this season. With a 23-27 record, they are on the outside looking in on the playoffs, and every loss takes them closer to a bitter ending.
Regarding Westbrook’s future in Los Angeles, that much is still up in the air considering his status as an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Will Russell Westbrook Play Out This Season As A Laker?
Russ has been thrown in trade rumors since the beginning of the season, and the Lakers could still go that route if they desire a major overhaul to the roster. For now, however, they haven’t found enough incentive to move him off the team.
“They [Lakers] like the idea of having three stars. Even if Russ isn’t playing like a superstar anymore, he’s selling jerseys like a superstar does. And if they do move Russ’s contract, I do think they would be focusing on somebody of that kind of stature coming back.”
Whatever happens with Russ, it’s clear that he hasn’t lost his love for the game. In truth, he’s one of the hardest workers there is, and he still has the respect of his peers across the league.
It will be interesting to see how he matches up against Uncle Drew today, who will have to carry the Nets without Kevin Durant.
Source: fadeawayworld
