Video: Heckler changes his tone after telling Russell Westbrook “you suck a**”, as the latter confronts him 

Russell Westbrook hasn't hesitated to give it back to his critics and hecklers. The 9x All-Star found himself in the middle of a back-and-forth with a heckler during the LA Lakers' last game against the LA Clippers. Westbrook had a rough night offensively as he failed to convert a single field goal during the contest.

While walking back to the locker room after the game, a fan passed harsh comments on Westbrook as he walked past him, saying:

"Westbrook, you suck a**"

Russell Westbrook confronted the heckler, who switched his tone and told the former MVP that the Lakers needed him.

"Come on baby, we need you," said the heckler.

Here's a clip of the incident (via Clutch Points):

Westbrook went 0-for-11 from the field in a 97-103 loss for the Lakers against their cross-town rivals. He played solid defense against Kawhi Leonard and company, but fans and critics were more focused on his lack of production on the offensive end of the floor.

Russell Westbrook has been under the scanner over the last year, and it's only gotten worse this summer. It's no secret that the LA Lakers have been engaged in trade talks centered around him since he underperformed in his debut season.

Not many approve of the Lakers continuing their partnership with Westbrook this season.

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Russell Westbrook and LA Lakers remain an awkward fit

There has been optimism that coach Darvin Ham could find a role for Russell Westbrook with the LA Lakers and help him return to his best. However, the Lakers' first two regular-season games were enough to indicate that Westbrook is far from adapting to playing alongside ball-dominant players.

Westbrook's poor shooting efficiency has once again been a problem. In the last game, he missed several point-blank layups, along with six attempts from 3-point range. LeBron James and Anthony Davis need better shooters around them to space the floor and elevate the team's offense.

Russell Westbrook's expiring deal makes him an ideal trade candidate. His $47 million salary also helps to add impactful role players in exchange who can address the Lakers' shooting woes.

Westbrook is reluctant to accept a bench role with the team. It's one way he can excel with the LA Lakers, as the ball will be in his hands with the opportunity to run the second unit.

Darvin Ham put him in that role during a preseason game, but the 33-year-old played only five minutes before exiting with a hamstring injury. Russell Westbrook said the injury occurred because he was brought off the bench. After starting 1000+ consecutive games as a starter, Westbrook said he didn't know how to go about his pregame routines before coming on as a substitute.

Those comments indicate his reluctance to accept a bench role. The Lakers have enough sample size to conclude that he remains a misfit alongside LeBron James. Trading him could be the best way forward for the franchise to improve their chances of winning at a high level.