In response to his wife Nina’s claim that she has gotten “death wishes” during the Los Angeles Lakers’ ongoing troubles, nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook has spoken out.
After joining the Lakers in August, the 33-year-old Westbrook has been increasingly polarizing among fans as the 2020 NBA champions battle to qualify for the postseason this year.
“I firmly support my spouse and her emotional state,” Westbrook declared following the Lakers’ eighth loss in ten games on Monday against the San Antonio Spurs. Regarding basketball, I don’t mind being criticized for making and missing shots. However, it becomes a problem the instant my name is being disparaged.
It never really affected me, so in the past, I kind of let it go. But the other day, it kind of hit me. My spouse and I attended my son’s teacher-parent conferences. The instructor also mentioned to me that Noah, the son of Westbrook, is quite proud of his last name. He writes it all over. He inscribes it on everything. He announces to everyone, “I’m Westbrook,” and goes about his business. And as I was sitting there in a state of astonishment, it suddenly hit me, “Damn.” I will not put up with [people disparaging my last name].
Some Lakers fans have dubbed Westbrook “Westbrick” because of his alleged bad shooting. The 2017 NBA MVP said that his family has stopped wanting to see Lakers games as a result of the remarks.