After his wife took to social media to detail the criticism and “death wishes” that she has received, Russell Westbrook used his postgame press conference Monday to expand upon the harassment that he and his family have faced in his first season with the Lakers.
Westbrook has been the target of derision in Los Angeles amid the team’s struggles this year. While that criticism normally doesn’t affect him, the 14-year veteran said that he and his wife, Nina, are speaking out about the vitriol they’ve received to defend the honor of the “Westbrook” family name and to protect their children.
“I 100 percent stand behind my wife and how she’s feeling,” the Lakers guard said after a 117–100 loss to the Spurs on Monday night. “This is just a game. When it comes to basketball, I don’t mind the criticism of missing and making shots. But the moment it becomes where my name is getting shamed, it becomes an issue.
