Russell Westbrook On Lakers’ Start: ‘I Never Panic’

It has been less than an ideal start for the Lakers, but newcomer Russell Westbrook isn’t all that concerned.

With just four players back from last year’s team, in fact, some growing pains are expected. Yes, the NBA’s oldest squad still needs some experience together.

“It’s all a process,” Westbrook said, via Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. “Everyone wants, as much as we do, we want to win every game, everybody thinks we should win every game, blah, blah, blah. We’ll figure it out.

“I’m OK with adversity. I never panic. Especially at the start of a season. There’s really no need to. A season is too long. It’s good to get off to a good start, to feel good about yourself. Especially me personally, I like to make sure that … as the season goes on I’m constantly getting better and better.”

The Lakers enter Tuesday’s game at San Antonio — their first road game of the season — with a record of 1-2. That lone win wasn’t easy, either.

They had to scratch and claw and hang on for dear life after getting a throwback performance from Carmelo Anthony to beat the Grizzlies in LA.

Westbrook is in his first season with the Lakers after an offseason trade with the Wizards. He has yet to be himself.

He is adjusting to playing next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and as Mannix noted, while Westbrook is shooting just 35 percent from the field, he is also attempting just 14.3 shots per game. That’s the lowest mark since his second season in the league.

“We’re all figuring each other out,” Westbrook said. “Guys are figuring out how to run with me and play a little faster. I’m figuring out other things, moving off the ball and doing other things. That’s a process. It’s not going to happen in the first week of the season.

“We all understand that; at least I do. I’m OK with the struggle and figuring it out and making sure that we are putting ourselves in position to do the right things so that ultimately at the end of the year we can be playing our best basketball.”