Russell Westbrook loses control of the ball in a wide-open layup
Russell Westbrook is one of the most-controversial players in the NBA. Much of this is unwarranted, though. From 2008 until 2016, Westbrook and Kevin Durant formed one of the NBA’s top duos. They turned the Oklahoma City Thunder into contenders. In 2012, they led OKC to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance, but then began a slow downtrend, leading to their eventual departures from the team.
Westbrook dedicated himself to the Thunder and gave the franchise his all. The Thunder tried to put players around him, after KD left. Adding to their roster, they brought in Carmelo Anthony and Paul George. On paper, that Thunder squad should have given the Golden State Warriors a strong run for their money.
Since leaving OKC, Russell Westbrook has been a journeyman. He went onto be traded to the Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards, returning the latter to the playoffs. Joining the Lakers, Westbrook was reunited with Carmelo Anthony. Again, on paper, this is supposed to make the Lakers one of the best teams of all-time. The roster is led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, also including Dwight Howard and, until recently, Rajon Rondo.
Last night, the Lakers played a close game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Early in the game, Russell Westbrook missed another open shot. He had a breakaway layup, but lost control of the ball, so it bounced off the backboard.
