Charles Barkley blasts Lakers for their treating of Westbrook-Vogel: 'It's really pissing me off' / News - Basketnews.com

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Charles Barkley’s reputation for sparing no one in his criticism has made him one of the most quotable figures on the NBA and other issues.

Russell Westbrook

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The Hall of Famer argued on TNT that the Los Angeles Lakers' problems aren't the fault of "scapegoats'', meaning point guard Russell Westbrook and head coach Frank Vogel.“The way they have tried to throw Russell Westbrook and Frank Vogel under the bus is just really pissing me off,” Barkley said, adding later:

"They’re blaming Frank Vogel and Russell Westbrook. Listen, the people up top that put that trash together are running and hiding like cowards saying, ‘Oh, it’s Frank and it’s Russ.’

They put all the old geezers out there. The best guy other than LeBron in the last month has been who? Stanley Johnson.

For y’all to be bringing a guy who was on the street and he becomes your second best player, whoever running that trash out there getting away with. It’s ridiculous, man!" the legendary ex-player protested.

“OLD. SLOW. BRICKS. FENSE, as in no ‘D,’” Charles Barkley told Maxim.com in an exclusive interview. “And ‘ENCH’ as in no bench.”The Lakers are 22-23 and tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the seventh spot in the Western Conference.

LeBron James has almost singlehandedly kept the team afloat despite Westbrook’s poor play and the extended absence of Anthony Davis. Westbrook’s recent shooting slump brought him to the Lakers' bench throughout the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s 111-104 loss to the Pacers.

Frank Vogel, whose job seems to be at risk, was asked about his decision. “Yeah, playing the guys I thought were going to win the game," he replied.

Westbrook left Crypto.com Arena before speaking to reporters. According to ESPN, long before the benching, Vogel received support from the Lakers’ organization to “take a hard-line” approach while coaching Westbrook.

Lakers’ management reportedly sent a message to Vogel and his staff saying, “You got to do what you got to do.”

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