"Send him to China now!" - Viral video shows critical Russell Westbrook error potentially costing LA Clippers the game vs Kings, fans didn't hold back

Russell Westbrook committed a costly error with 15 seconds late in the game as the LA Clippers lost to the Sacramento Kings. Westbrook's miscue was the biggest of the match and likely cost the Clippers to fall 0-5 since the All-Star break.

Russell Westbrook is no longer playing for the LA Lakers, but his name continues to be associated with his former team:

The former NBA MVP had a great start to the game between the Clippers and the Kings. He had 15 points, seven assists, and one rebound while hitting 7-of-8 from the field.

He was the best player on the Clippers team in the first half that didn't have Kawhi Leonard. Paul George struggled with just six points and three assists during the same stretch.

Russell Westbrook finished the night with 27 points, 10 assists, two rebounds and two blocks. The triple-double king was +10 tonight, second-best on his team in 36 minutes. He did have a game-high five turnovers and committed the last one in the biggest moment of the game.

In five games with the LA Clippers, he is averaging 16.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 1.6 steals. He had a 41.7% field goal efficiency rate with the Lakers in 52 games. Westbrook has raised that part of his game to 53.2% in Ty Lue's system.

Russell Westbrook has now lost for the 15th straight time as a starter

After tonight's loss, the Clippers are now 0-5. They haven't won a game since signing "Mr. Triple-Double."

Westbrook has also lost his last 10 games as a starter for the LA Lakers. Three of those games came this season, which prompted Darvin Ham to make him the team's sixth man.

He was close to breaking that ignominous streak of 14 straight losses as a starter before Eric Gordon's pass flew past his hands.

Russell Westbrook is still clearly adjusting to Ty Lue's system and playing alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Lue has repeatedly said that the Clippers will allow "Russ to be Russ."

That didn't work well for the LA Lakers in nearly two seasons before he started games coming off the bench. The Clippers could be headed in that same direction if their losses pile up.

Every game is crucial, particularly in the hotly-contested Western Conference playoff seeding. Lue relegated Reggie Jackson to the bench for Terance Mann when the Clippers couldn't consistently win. He may do the same to Westbrook if they can't get out of their current slump.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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