Russell Westbrook has drawn massive criticism for his play in the 2022 for the Los Angeles Lakers.
While the Lakers missed the playoffs for just the first time since 2018, Westbrook totaled his lowest points per game average since his second year in the league.
His inefficiency from the floor (below 30% from three, under 70% from the free throw line) has had many basketball pundits questioning his future in the league.
One commentator may have taken it too far though.
Westbrook to Bayless
After months of calling him “Westbrick” on the FS1 Undisputed, Skip Bayless drew the ire of the UCLA product.
“Yoooo… watch your mouth. Don’t say anything here you wouldn’t say to my face.” Westbrook said in a tweet to Bayless after the host compared the new Lakers second round pick to Westbrook.
In a series of tweets, the former ESPN host responded to the former Thunder and Rocket, inviting him onto the show to discuss his overall play.
Bayless later defended his comments saying “Amazing & amusing how Russell Westbrook is trying to turn himself into a victim after he was such a nightmare for Laker Nation last yr. All he has to do to shut up/shut down us critics is simply to MAKE SHOTS & QUIT COMMITTING SADLY COMICAL TURNOVERS. But … it’s critics’ fault.” in another tweet.
Bayless’ history with NBA Players
While Westbrook’s play left much to be desired, this is not the first time Bayless has been called out for making comedic use out of an NBA players’ name.
In 2012, former Miami Heat big-man, Chris Bosh went on First Take (then hosted by Bayless) to demand an apology after Bayless had called him “Bosh-spice.”
“We’re very prideful with the Bosh name. I don’t like it being made fun of and I don’t think they (my family) appreciate it either.” Bosh said on the show.
“I respect the Bosh name, but I have no regrets with referring to you occasionally as Bosh-spice.” Bayless responded.
The Lakers guard has yet to comment since on Bayless invitation to come onto the Undisputed sow or Skip Bayless podcast. Bayless continued his tweet-storm Sunday night linking Westbrook’s behavior and former teammate Kevin Durant.
“Hey, Kevin Durant, thank you. You know the feeling.” Bayless said in a tweet.
While the future of Russell Westbrook in Los Angeles is in serious doubt, it appears Skip Bayless isn’t even remotely sorry for making fun of athletes names.
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