Russell Westbrook addressed the media sharply following Sacramento’s 133‑123 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans Thursday at Golden 1 Center.
“Y’all have a lot of opinions about how we do what we doing. I got no answers,” Westbrook said. “You make a lot of statements and broad statements that you have no context. So, where do you get your context from? Are you in practice? Are you at our film session? No.”
The point guard emphasized reporters’ lack of direct knowledge of the team. “You don’t know me. You don’t know anything about me. But you make a lot of comments as though you do know me,” he added.
Westbrook defended the Kings’ players, citing the challenges of a young roster. “As a leader of this team, it’s my job to speak up for the guys in the locker room. We talk about, they see it. I hear it because of the comments you guys make. You got guys thinking about a whole bunch of random things that have nothing to do with the game.”
He also criticized inaccurate coverage. “You guys’ job is to talk about the game, what’s happening in the game, not stir up a bunch of stuff that’s not accurate. I don’t appreciate that,” Westbrook said.
The veteran added perspective on the franchise’s player development. “I think just giving opportunity obviously. This is a unique place… whether it’s front office or just the synergy of bringing guys in giving them opportunity to be able to go out and try to compete,” he said.
Westbrook touched on expectations surrounding wins and losses. “I feel like you guys expect us that we going to win a championship. The way the conversation, how we talking, it’s like, yeah, you guys, if we don’t win a championship, it’s like it’s a bust or something. That’s not the case. This is our job.”
He maintained respect for reporters but urged focus on accurate reporting. “My act is that you respect what we do and we respect what you do. Don’t make false context comments about people as individuals. People are who they are, what they do, what they’re thinking, why they doing this, how come they doing that. If you don’t know, don’t say nothing you don’t know nothing about.”
Sacramento fell to 14‑50 overall, marking their ninth consecutive home loss. Precious Achiuwa led the team with 29 points and 12 rebounds, while Westbrook added 19 points and 10 assists.
New Orleans improved to 20‑44, led by Zion Williamson’s 23 points, and will visit the Phoenix Suns Friday. The Kings will host the Chicago Bulls Sunday.
