Westbrook listed as doubtful as Davis rallies behind maligned All-Star

Anthony Davis has rallied around maligned Los Angeles Lakers teammate Russell Westbrook, who has been listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets due to left hamstring soreness.

Westbrook exited the Lakers’ final preseason game against the Sacramento Kings 11 days ago after only five minutes due to a hamstring issue. 

The 33-year-old nine-time All-Star has played all three of the Lakers’ games this season since, but has been the subject of significant criticism, the latest for taking on and missing a midrange shot late in Sunday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Lakers head coach Darvin Ham declined to elaborate on his likely line-up for the Nuggets game, as they look to snap an 0-3 start to the season.

Westbrook’s status was disclosed by the Lakers after Ham spoke to reporters, while the former MVP was not made available either.

The Lakers point guard is averaging 10.3 points shooting at 28.9 per cent from the field with 6.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.0 steals per game across three games this season.

Davis, who has started this season impressively despite the Lakers’ winless start, leapt to the defence of Westbrook who has copped the brunt of the criticism directed at the team.

“I mean, it’s crazy,” Davis said. “People are forgetting who Russ is… I can’t imagine how tough it is for him. It’s something you guys have to ask him.

“But just as a team, as an organisation, we’re just trying to be there for him and just keep supporting him and make sure that he doesn’t get caught up in it, because that’s when things can go bad for him. We want to make sure that he’s continuously in a great space.

“He was all smiles today, which is a good thing. We want to make sure that no matter what, he knows we’re on his side and we have his back. And whatever he needs from us, we’re right here, on and off the court.”

The Lakers’ winless start to the season comes after missing the playoffs in 2021-22 with a 33-49 record.

“Obviously, there’s some sense of urgency,” Davis added. “You don’t want to dig yourself too big of a hole. But we’ve got to stay even-keeled.

“We can’t get rattled or flustered and things like that. Just like if we win 12 in a row, we don’t want to get too high.

“We think all this adversity is going to be good for us. We’re glad it’s happening in October and not March or April.”