“How in the hell has Russell Westbrook survived so many halftimes in his NBA career” – NBA analyst criticizes Russell Westbrook for his ridiculous injury rationale, calls it 'passive-aggressive crap'

Russell Westbrook has given several reasons for some of his most recent injuries. NBA analyst Tim MacMahon has not bought any of them and believes they are some of the most ridiculous excuses he has ever heard.

On "The Hoop Collective," he commented on one of Westbrook's recent statements, wherein the all-time triple-double leader blamed his injury on a change of routine. MacMahon thinks it is a terrible excuse, describing it as "passive-aggressive ridiculous crap."

"The most interesting post-game press conference was Russ saying that his hammy acted up because he's not used to coming off the bench. Remember his back tightened up here because he isn't used to sitting so much in the fourth quarter like he did.

"Early in the game, it's his hamstring, late in the game it's his back. I'm just wondering how in the hell has Russell Westbrook survived so many halftimes in his NBA career.

"What, is he like just you know jumping in a vat of icy hot during halftime or running on a treadmill? What in the hell kind of passive-aggressive ridiculous crap is this?"

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Russell Westbrook has blamed recent injuries on reduced playtime

Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Lakers

The question of whether Westbrook should lead the LA Lakers' second unit has been brought up a lot. However, the All-Star guard is strongly against it and wants to be on the floor as regularly as possible.

Last season, former Lakers head coach Frank Vogel benched Westbrook late in a few games. When the point guard developed back tightness, he blamed it on sitting so much during the fourth quarter.

More recently, Ham decided to experiment with the Lakers squad. He opted to bring Westbrook off the bench for the team's last preseason game against the Sacramento Kings.

Shortly after Russ checked in, he had an issue with his hamstring and had to sit out for the rest of the game. The former MVP, during his post-game presser, said he sustained the injury due to his inactivity from tipoff.

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Darvin Ham says he would never put anybody in harm's way

Russ' comments could be viewed by some as him throwing Ham under the bus. But the rookie head coach was quick to address the issue to avoid misunderstandings.

Ham stated that he and his staff would never put anyone in harm's way.

"Let me be clear: The Lakers, myself, my staff, will never put anybody, a player, employee in harm's way ... Russ & I discussed what was out there. Brief discussion. We've moved on," he said.

Since signing on as Lakers head coach, Ham has spoken highly of Westbrook. He believes the Lakers can have a successful season with Russ, contrary to what most people believe.