“Y’all are 0-3… But he’s boppin’ and dancing” - Stephen A. Smith flabbergasted at Russell Westbrook dancing after reportedly sitting out due to hamstring injury

Russell Westbrook reportedly missed Wednesday's LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets game due to a hamstring injury. However, the 9x All-Star entered the Ball Arena bopping.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith was on air with cameras showing Westbrook's entrance. The TV analyst wasn't a big fan of Westbrook's frenzied walk to the court. Smith went off on the former MVP, saying (h/t Shubh on Twitter):

"Really? You see what the problem is? Listen, I'm not trying to get on him y'all, but y'all are 0-3, y'all are one of the worst shooting teams in the league, and he walks in, he's not playing tonight because of a hamstring injury. But he's boppin' and dancing."

The LA Lakers' struggles from last season have carried onto this year. Russell Westbrook's lack of production offensively and misfits alongside are among the many problems the Lakers are facing again.

Westbrook has averaged 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game across three appearances. He has shot a measly 28.9% from the floor, including 8.3% from the 3-point line.

The Lakers are shooting a league-worse 21.2% from deep as a team. They need shooters around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Westbrook and the 2027 and 2029 first-round picks are the Lakers' best trade chips.

That said, Russell Westbrook continues to garner criticism. Many fans and critics believe the Lakers should get a deal done to move him and add some offensive depth to their roster via trade.

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LA Lakers lose despite Russell Westbrook's absence as shooting woes continue

The LA Lakers showed their issues are beyond just Russell Westbrook's lack of offensive production this season. LA registered a 0-4 start to the year, losing Wednesday's game against the Denver Nuggets on the road. Westbrook missed the game due to a hamstring injury.

The Lakers lost the tie 110-99. LA shot under 30% from 3-point range again, going 8-of-30 from deep. LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Lonnie Walker IV were once again the only crucial contributors as they combined for 58 of the Lakers' 99 points.

James had an off night. It was always going to be a difficult task for the LA Lakers to do well with their best player not being able to get going. James scored only 19 points, shooting 38.1% from the floor. He also committed eight of the Lakers' 14 turnovers.

The LA Lakers' poor rebounding was on display as well. The Nuggets were +8 in that area. Russell Westbrook alone isn't the main problem for the Lakers. However, as mentioned above, he remains a piece that could bring back significant talent in return through a trade move.

The Lakers wouldn't want to dig themselves into a deeper hole after a 0-4 start, so GM Rob Pelinka and the management need to show a sense of urgency and make moves soon.