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- Magic Johnson has been extremely critical of Russell Westbrook’s struggles with the Lakers this season.
- Johnson has now, out of nowhere, completely changed his tune about the L.A. guard.
- Be sure to check out more sports stories at BroBible here.
Magic Johnson became the newest member of the Rusell Westbrook critics club this past weekend, but now he’s completely changed his opinion about the Lakers’ guard.
Johnson joined ESPN’s NBA Countdown on Saturday and sent a clear message to Westbrook as he continues to struggle.
“Quit battling the press, take ownership and accountability,” Johnson said of Westbrook. “I’m tired of the excuses.”
Johnson said the Westbrook trade “could go down as the worst in Laker history” if Los Angeles doesn’t get into, and win, the play-in game this postseason.
There was even a moment during the countdown show where it sounds like Johnson referred to Westbrook as ‘Westbrick.’
Magic Johnson calls Russell Westbrook " Westbrick " during NBA Countdown show… 💀💀🤔🤔 pic.twitter.com/6fWhxfzFwi
— Jordan Nichols (@JordanN1333272) March 6, 2022
Johnson’s scalding of Westbrook occurred the night of March 5. Now, three days later, Johnson is firmly in Westbrook’s corner as he’s completely changed his tune about the matter.
Laker Nation, it's our responsibility to come together and support Russell Westbrook and his family. Threats and attacks on the Westbrook family are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. There's no place in sports for this type of behavior, period. @russwest44
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 8, 2022
Russell plays an important role on the @Lakers team and will be a key component to the success of the rest of the season and the NBA Playoffs. Let's do better, rally around the Westbrook family, and support them. @russwest44
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 8, 2022
We’ve since learned that Westbrook despises the ‘Westbrick’ nickname fans have been calling him this year.
Following the Lakers’ loss to the Spurs on Monday, Westbrook addressed fans calling him by the nickname. He also explained that he doesn’t like bringing his family to the game because of the namecalling.
Westbrook addressing the namecalling from fans came on the same day his wife took to Twitter to blame Skip Bayless for all the criticism her husband has gotten this season. She also alleged she’s been receiving death threats.
The Lakers are 28-36 on the year and losers of eight of their last 10 games played. Westbrook is averaging 15.9 points since the calendar flipped to 2022 shooting 39.5% from the floor.