NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Russell Westbrook unloaded on members of the media after the Sacramento Kings’ loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night, marking the team’s 50th loss in a season that has left them with the NBA’s worst record.
Westbrook had 19 points and 10 assists for the Kings in a 133-123 loss that handed Sacramento its ninth straight loss at home. Heading into his postgame press conference, it was clear the NBA veteran expected to field questions about the team’s abysmal 14-50 record.
Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) reacts after making a three-pointer against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., March 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall) (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)
But it was Westbrook who asked the most questions and turned the press on the media, who he accused of stirring up “a lot of things that are not accurate.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
“Got a lot of answers and you guys always talk,” Westbrook said after being asked how the team would handle the final 19 games of the season. “You guys have a lot of opinions about how we do what we do.”
Westbrook continued to address random members of the media, picking one out by asking, “You make a lot of statements and broad statements that you have no context — so where do you get your context? Are you at practice? Are you at our film session? Are you anywhere in the building?”
The reporter answered Westbrook’s line of questioning, but when he said he knew Westbrook, the NBA player’s tirade continued.
Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook dribbles against the Houston Rockets during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Houston, Texas, on February 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
“No, you don’t know me. You don’t know me, you don’t know me. But you make a lot of comments as if you know me.”
“You guys are quiet today but you have a lot of comments when the games are going on, after the game, what we’re doing, what we’re going to do, how we’re going to do it – I’m confused,” he continued.
Members of the media backed off, calling their coverage “fair”. Another reporter said when called that it was “the worst season I’ve seen,” but didn’t blame Westbrook for the Kings’ struggles.
“Your guys’ job is to talk about the game, what’s happening in the game, not stir up a lot — I’m not going to argue here because I don’t want a fine — but to stir up a lot of things that aren’t accurate, and that’s my problem,” he said, taking issue with recent coverage of the Kings’ season.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25) hangs on the rim after dunking the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., March 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall) (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
“As the leader of this team, it’s my job to speak up for the guys in the dressing room,” he added. “My question is that you respect what we do and we respect what you do.”
Westbrook took one more question about the game before the press conference ended.
With the Kings out of the playoff picture, they return to action on Sunday when they host the Chicago Bulls.
Related article
