Nothing I can write here will truly do Russell Westbrook’s postgame media session justice.
Just know he answered questions after the Sacramento Kings’ 133-123 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans in Thursday’s unofficial Lottery Bowl.
Westbrook seemed fine enough when a reporter asked what the Kings could do better over the final 19 games.
“Ya know, go out and compete,” Westbrook said.
Fair question. Fair answer. But that is when Westbrook decided it was his turn to start asking the questions.
“Whatcha all think though?” he said, actually sounding fairly warm about it. “Because ya’ll got a lotta answers and always be talking.”
He pressed reporters a little. Challenged them a little. Not rude. Just clearly frustrated. Which is understandable.
The Kings own the NBA’s worst record at 14-50. Injuries to Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and Keegan Murray have not helped.
And to be fair to Westbrook, he still competes. He may not be the player he once was, but he shows up and battles. Plenty of players his age would rather play for a contender.
Westbrook just wants to play.
But constant losing wears on anyone. That much was clear Thursday night.
I am not picking sides here. I am part of the media, but if I were a pro athlete, I doubt I would be much more pleasant than Westbrook after a loss like that.
Some reporters are excellent. Some are the journalism equivalent of the 12th man on a G League roster.
But most are simply doing their jobs. Whether Westbrook fully appreciates that part of the equation remains another question entirely.
Anyway, without further ado, you can check out Westbrook’s full five-minute-plus chat in the video below: