"They'd be crazy" - Former 6MOY reacts to potential Russell Westbrook benching despite 9-2 record in Nuggets starting lineup

Russell Westbrook has been one of the bright spots for the Denver Nuggets this season, especially as a starter. Originally, he started the 2024-25 NBA season as a backup point guard for Jamal Murray. However, with the Nuggets' recent injuries, Westbrook has seen more action as a starter.

Michelle Beadle, host of Thursday's "Run It Back," raised the issue of whether the Nuggets ought to move Westbrook back to the second unit. After all, Aaron Gordon, a forward, is anticipated to make his comeback on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs.

However, former Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams thinks the Nuggets shouldn't change their lineup with Westbrook.

“They’d be crazy to not keep him in the starting lineup,” Williams said. “He’s given them a lot of energy, he’s given them a lot of good basketball. … They’re paper thin coming off the bench, but if this is working for you, who cares? Get into your (Tom) Thibodeau bag.”

Westbrook has played 32 games this season, averaging 12.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.6 assists. In the 32 games he's played, the former All-Star guard has started in 11. In the Nuggets' past four games, the former MVP was part of the starting lineup.

During that span, the 6-foot-3 guard averaged 12.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 9.0 apg. That includes his perfect triple-double where he had 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 132-121 win over the Utah Jazz. Westbrook shot 100% from the field and the free-throw line and had no turnovers.

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Former Lakers guard defended Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook's former team, the LA Lakers, traded away D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets before the New Year. In exchange, the Lakers received Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. After the trade, Patrick Beverley addressed the transaction and revealed his real thoughts.

According to the defensive-minded guard, Russell going to the Nets is a good move for the player's career and the team's future. However, he isn't sure if the Finney-Smith trade would benefit his former team.

A follower of Beverley replied to him on X (formerly Twitter) and told the ex-NBA player that his post about the trade sounded like he was hating on it. This led Pat Bev to back up his comments and cite how Lakers fans flak on players for having one bad shooting performance.

"And if we’re being honest, the moment he doesn’t shoot well lakers fans go destroy him," Beverley said.

Beverley named Westbrook, Malik Beasley and Taurean Prince as the players who received criticism from fans for their shooting woes with the Lakers.