Russell Westbrook: ‘I Can Handle Anything’

Russell Westbrook is off to a predictably insane start: through the first three games of the season, he leads the NBA in scoring at a nightly clip of 38.7, has averaged 12.3 rebounds and a League-best 11.7 assists.

Russ knows that public perception of his play ebbs and flows, but he’s clearly immune to the noise.

Westbrook promises to continue his rampage as the lone superstar in OKC:

The changing tide from #BlameRuss to #TeamRuss over the past few years hasn’t gone unnoticed to Westbrook, who flashed that gap-toothed grin when asked if he’d noticed the difference in how he’s now perceived. […] “A little bit,” Westbrook told The Vertical. “But at the same time, I’ve got to keep the same way, because I’ve been on the other side. I’m definitely appreciative of all the support and I’m definitely thankful for that, and every night I just go out and play the same way.”

 

A new sneaker commercial for Jordan Brand offered, in no uncertain terms, a look into to how Westbrook plans to accept the awaiting challenge. With a few animated dance moves, Westbrook gleefully recited the lyrics of Lil Uzi Vert’s song, “Do What I Want,” playing in the background. […] “Now I do what I want!” Westbrook mouths. “Now I do what I want!”

 

“The only time I felt like lashing out was with something that disrespected my family, or my mom, my dad. Anything of that nature. But for me, I can handle anything,” Westbrook told The Vertical. “Honestly, I stay even-keel throughout the good stuff, the bad stuff, because I always pay attention to my family and people that’s important to me. People I stand by. I like to have fun and enjoy the game and I just go out and play. Criticism for me goes in one ear and out the other.”

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