NBA News: Lakers Legend Blasts Russell Westbrook, Tells To Man Up

KEY POINTS

Magic Johnson wants Russell Westbrook to prove he deserves to be in a Lakers uniform
Johnson remains optimistic that the Lakers can still bounce back and save their campaign
Johnson urges Westbrook to get his act together and step up his game

Russell Westbrook is making headlines, and most of it is because of his struggles this season as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Being a former NBA MVP, there are high expectations with most believing he can provide the assistance that LeBron James and Anthony Davis need.

But as most know, that has not happened and the struggling to blend with the Lakers’ system has worn out.

With Westbrook unable to meet expectations and perform poorly, he has been besieged by media pundits.

He has handled them well and has blasted the media with strong words.

Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers Getty Images | Michael Owens

No less than former Lakers’ great Earvin “Magic” Johnson has been keeping tabs with this.

Now, Johnson has unloaded on the 33-year-old guard, telling him to man up and get his act together.

“[Russell Westbrook] quit battling the press, take ownership and accountability… I’m tired of excuses, it’s time to take ownership and say ‘I just been playing poorly,’” Johnson said via ESPN.

With the Lakers’ campaign not looking good heading into the playoffs, the five-time NBA champion believes that the franchise can still turn things around.

Johnson pointed out how the 1991 Lakers team went through the same struggles but managed to turn it around and make it to the NBA Finals against a Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls.

“We’re in ninth place—no no, not yet. Because I remember in 1991, we played poor up until the last two months of the season, we turned it around, when the Bulls beat us in ’91 in the finals when nobody thought we could make it. Hopefully, Anthony Davis will come back,” Johnson shared.

But all that can happen if Westbrook meets expectations. Johnson went on to say how the nine-time All-Star knew what he was getting himself into.

So rather than make excuses, Johnson wants Westbrook to step up his game.

“You know you had to come here knowing that it’s about championships when you put the purple and gold on. Quit battling the press, take ownership and accountability and say, ‘Hey, I haven’t played well, but I got a chance to turn it around.’ So, I’m tired of excuses, it’s time to take ownership and say, ‘I’ve just been playing poorly, but hopefully I can turn it around,’” Johnson stated.