NBA legend Charles Barkley made a bold statement at the half time of the Lakers’ season opener against the Warriors. Los Angeles ended up losing the game 109-123.
Barkley shared his observation that the Lakers have taken away Russell Westbrook’s joy and it’s time for the two sides to part their ways for their own benefit.
“You know how I feel about Russell Westbrook. I admire him, I respect him. It’s time for the Lakers to move him. They have taken all his joy out of life and basketball,” Barkley said on TNT.
“This guy used to be so exuberant, playing with great energy and great emotion,” Chuck said when asked by Ernie Johnson how he can tell that Westbrook’s joy has been stolen. “I think the wear and tear mentally last year, starting this year, playing with Patrick Beverley. And the thing is he’s going to get the blame no matter what because the Lakers ain’t a championship contender.
“The energy, he don’t look and first of all I think they scapegoated him and Frank Vogel last year,” Barkley continued. “I think he needs a fresh start. I think the Lakers need a fresh start because they’re not contenders.
“I hate the fact that they made him and Vogel scapegoats. This guy, I admire Russell Westbrook. They are taking his entire joy out of basketball and it pisses me off.”
Russ finished the game against Golden State with 19 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 turnovers.
