Russell Westbrook Responds to Recent Criticism: 'When You Do So Much at a High Level, a Lot of Haters Come'

Westbrook was nothing but candid in his first interview since OKC's playoff elimination.

This is a photo of Westbrook.
Getty

Image via Getty/Zach Beeker

This is a photo of Westbrook.

Days after being eliminated from the playoffs, players from the Oklahoma City Thunder gave their exit interviews. Russell Westbrook, who has been dealing with a lot of criticism recently, was especially candid in his interview, as he spoke about how he deals with said criticism and his plans for the future.

Westbrook https://t.co/qLVYru2Iio

— Andrew Schlecht (@AndrewKSchlecht) April 25, 2019

Westbrook talked about his intense rivalry with Damian Lillard, and what critics are saying in the aftermath of Portland's 118-115 victory during Tuesday's match. "If you want to determine my career and what I've done over two, three games, you go ahead. That don't mean shit to me," he said. When asked if he thought it was strange to be receiving the amount of criticism he responded  by saying "No I don't. When you do so much at a high level, a lot of haters come."

Russell Westbrook's full answer on Billy Donovan: pic.twitter.com/S2vaN2uKRT

— Royce Young (@royceyoung) April 25, 2019

Westbrook on the fallout from his back-and-forth with Damian Lillard, and what critics are saying about him now: pic.twitter.com/NhKnE0HQZ7

— Royce Young (@royceyoung) April 25, 2019

Westbrook was asked if he thinks it's strange he gets criticized as much as does despite having so much success through his career: pic.twitter.com/FA6elXikcO

— Royce Young (@royceyoung) April 25, 2019

Westbrook was asked other than jumpshooting, what he wants to improve on for next year: pic.twitter.com/o2FLy8sGuj

— Royce Young (@royceyoung) April 25, 2019

OKC forward Paul George also chimed in on the backlash Russ has received. Asked about Westbrook's method of handling the press, George said, "It just doesn't come off the right way. But I know where it's coming from. You know, he's a guy of principles. ... He's going to take care of himself and he's going to look out for himself, and that's what you've got to love about him, to be honest."

Paul George was asked a great question by @clayhorning if he ever cringes at Westbrook not doing himself any favors with his interactions with media or whatever else: pic.twitter.com/HXnIdfNQ5H

— Royce Young (@royceyoung) April 25, 2019

Paul George on knowing Russell Westbrook on a deeper level than the general public: pic.twitter.com/pfzAUJjtcQ

— Royce Young (@royceyoung) April 25, 2019

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