Anthony Davis discusses parallels from his Lakers debut to Russell Westbrook’s
The Los Angeles Lakers started the regular season with a disappointing loss to the Golden State Warriors, 121-114.
Los Angeles had the momentum going into the break, but everything unraveled in the second half when Jordan Poole and Nemanja Bjelica ignited Golden State’s sluggish offense.
Despite LeBron James and Anthony Davis combining for 67 points, the Lakers didn’t get Russell Westbrook’s typical contribution. He went 4-of-13 from the field and missed all four 3-point attempts for eight points on the night, along with four turnovers and four fouls.
James said after the game he told Westbrook not to be too hard on himself, and Davis consoled Westbrook based on how his debut went in 2019.
“Russ is very hard on himself, and I told him today I think I’m 0-3 in my Lakers’ season openers, so it’s Game 1,” Davis said after the loss. “The same way he’s feeling right now is the same way I was feeling my first year here.”
Davis posted 25 points on 8-of-21 shooting against the L.A. Clippers that night in 2019, but it ended in a loss. After that game, Davis said James reassured him, so Davis shared the same advice to Westbrook.
“I had a little reassurance from LB (LeBron James) and we’ll be fine,” Davis said. “We’ll figure it out. He’ll figure it out. We’ll figure it out together as a team on the defensive end for sure.”
The Lakers simply need Westbrook to rebound and go back to his usual ways. He looked passive all night and seldom attacked the basket. He didn’t wreak havoc as he usually does, but L.A. needs that to change if a title is to be won this season.
Fortunately, it’s only the first game of 82, so Westbrook has time to alter his play.
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