Russell Westbrook had a bit of a slow start in his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, but LeBron James is vehemently defending his teammate. During a postgame interview, James said Westbrook was probably feeling first-game jitters as he finally achieved his dream of playing in his hometown. "I can only imagine how many friends and family have contacted him over the last 48 hours, wondering if they can come and see his first game as a Laker. Those things, those demands and those asks will quiet down as the season goes on. So (we're) not worried about Russ at all," the Lakers superstar said. Westbrook shot 4-13 from the floor as the Lakers lost against the Golden State Warriors on opening night, according to Sports Illustrated. James, however, doesn't want to see his new teammate being too critical of himself. "He's so hard on himself," the Lakers forward said. "I told him 'Don't be so hard on yourself. It's one game.'" LeBron had some words of encouragement for Russ 🗣️...
