“Durant defending Westbrook, LeBron defending Westbrook” – Colin Cowherd asserts Russell Westbrook is feeling the negativity around his narrative, says toxicity is killing him

Russell Westbrook has been on the receiving end of most of the backlash the LA Lakers are receiving. NBA analyst Colin Cowherd believes it has become a toxic space for Westbrook.

Although the entire team is performing poorly from beyond the arc, the focus has been on Westbrook. In their last outing against the LA Clippers, Westbrook went 0-of-11 from the field.

However, it was worth noting that the All-Star guard put together an incredible shift on the defensive end of the floor. He registered five steals and created a lot more turnovers for the Clippers through deflections and putting his body on the line.

The Westbrook slander has reached an all-time high, and players have spoken up in defense of Westbrook. But Cowherd believes it getting to that point puts the team in a bad spot.

On "The Herd," he stressed that toxicity is not something any professional player can overcome. He also believes Westbrook is now forcing the issue and it is messing with his head.

"LA tends to be West Coast, little more chill little more vibe. LA is not a market that picks on people. So, you can see what's happening with Westbrook. Paul George, after the game, defended Westbrook. Kevin Durant defended Westbrook. Here's LeBron James last night, after the game, defending Westbrook and the Lakers' poor shooting."

After talking about how the LA fans are a lot more chill, and stressed that they love sports regardless, he continued:

"I don't think they're picking on Westbrook but I think they're engaged during the game with Westbrook. ... You can overcome a lot in pro sports, toxicity is the killer. Chemistry crushes everything."

Westbrook's intention to stay has been questioned a lot. Although the starting guard has debunked such rumors, many believe he is not happy being in LA.

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Kevin Durant believes the attack on Russell Westbrook has reached new heights

Throughout last season, Westbrook received the most hate from the NBA community. He took the bulk of the blame for the Lakers' poor campaign.

Two games into the 2022-23 season, the bashing has continued. Former teammate Kevin Durant recently spoke on Westbrook's defense.

The Brooklyn Nets forward believes Russ and the Lakers are under a bigger microscope because of their performance last year. On "The ETCs," he said the criticism is starting to get out of hand.

"I understand it's certain points where you don't play well. You are open to criticism when you don't play well. We get that but it's like now you make him the butt of your jokes. It's going to a point where it's like, 'Alright, I get the criticism for what he did that night,' but now it's starting to reach a different level of some sh*t that I don't understand right now."

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LeBron James had some advice for Westbrook after the loss to the Clippers

Westbrook had one of the worst shooting nights of his career in the game against the Clippers. He finished with two points and did not convert from the field.

During LeBron James' post-game interview, the team captain advised Westbrook to put it behind him and get ready for the next game.

"Flush it down the toilet and get ready for Sunday. He's a veteran and we've all had bad shooting nights. I've had bad shooting nights. Everybody in this league has had bad shooting nights, who cares? I thought he played a great game. Defensively he was locked in."

The Lakers will take on the streaking Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. After losing their first two games, the Lakers will be desperate to record one in the win column.