Russell Westbrook on Frank Vogel: ‘Not sure what his issue was with me’

Former All-Star guard Russell Westbrook echoed a seamless theme Monday afternoon because the Lakers went by exit interviews, saying his play and that of the group was disappointing.

Westbrook performed in 78 of the Lakers’ 82 video games and was at his greatest towards the top of the season, which ended Sunday with an extra time victory in Denver. Coach Frank Vogel was fired earlier within the day.

“It clearly wasn’t a profitable season by any means,” Westbrook mentioned. “My play typically, not my greatest season.”

Earlier Monday, Lakers government and common supervisor Rob Pelinka mentioned there was loads of blame to unfold round for the entrance workplace, coaches and gamers.

“We had a really disappointing season. That won’t be the case subsequent 12 months,” he mentioned.

When requested about his relationship with Vogel, who at occasions through the season benched Westbrook for the fourth quarter of video games, he replied: “I’m unsure what his concern was with me.”

“After I first go right here, I simply felt that I by no means was given a good likelihood simply to e who I must be to raised assist this group,” he added.

Westbrook averaged 18.5 factors, 7.4 rebounds and seven.1 assists per recreation this season whereas capturing 44.4% from the sector and 29.8% from three-point vary, all close to his profession averages besides scoring, which was down greater than three factors a recreation.

Within the 15 video games earlier than the Lakers’ postseason elimination, Westbrook appeared to seek out his place amid the Lakers’ chaos, averaging 19.9 factors on 49.4% capturing.