Westbrook was withdrawn from his side’s eventual loss to the Pacers with four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and 5-for-17 shooting showing up on the stat sheet.
Poor defensive play only hastened coach Frank Vogel’s decision, but the nine-time All-Star was back to his best in Orlando, finishing with 18 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
Vogel was full of praise for his point guard’s response, acknowledging he “played a hell of a game” as the Lakers rallied back from a 10-point deficit to win 116-105.
“Russ played a really good basketball game,” Vogel said.
“He came in very focused and played efficient offensively and brought a pure energy to the game.
“He just wanted to impose his will, play his part and played a hell of a game.”
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Star teammates LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony were equally effusive in their appreciation for the 33-year-old, noting his “controlled performance” and infectious “energy and effort” on the court.
For Westbrook, however, it’s the first step towards making amends for his struggling start to life in LA, where the Lakers sit 23-23 on the season ahead of a tough five-game road stretch that includes trips to Miami, Brooklyn and Philadelphia.
“My job as a player, as a professional, is to do my job, continue to find ways to be able to help impact winning,” Westbrook said.
“We started it off right with a win tonight. Get to Miami and figure out a way we can come out of there with a win as well.
“But it’s a big trip for us. A good bonding and togetherness trip for our group and finding ways to be able to come together and come out with some wins and create some rhythm, some confidence in our group that we can be the team we all know that we should be.”
The LA Lakers take on the Miami Heat this Monday, January 24 and both SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand will air all the action LIVE from 9:30am (AEDT).
