Russell Westbrook had some strong words for young opponents of the veteran Lakers

Russell Westbrook has no time for anyone calling the 2021-22 Los Angeles Lakers an old team.

Though the 2021-22 Los Angeles Lakers roster is chock full of 30-somethings, newcomer point guard Russell Westbrook has no interest in anybody telling him how old his new team is.

Westbrook will play his age-33 season out of UCLA in Lakers uniform. He was traded over from the Washington Wizards in a blockbuster deal earlier this summer. Joining him in Los Angeles include fellow 30-somethings in Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard. All three will inevitably join LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame one day.

Here is what Westbrook said on the Straight from the Hart podcast about the veteran Lakers.

Russell Westbrook challenges young opponents vs. veteran Lakers roster

Westbrook has never been one to beat around the bush at the mic. He will say whatever is on his mind at any given moment, no matter how exceedingly blunt it may be. It is part of his charm, as well as part of his inherent polarization. Nobody plays the game harder in the NBA than him, but his all-out style of ball has largely contributed to him never winning an NBA Finals in his career.

By joining the likes of Davis, Howard and James who all have rings, as well as Anthony who is just as hungry for one as he is, Westbrook might be able to change his overall narrative with one NBA championship. We will celebrate him for his tenacity, competitiveness and willingness to win more than his ability to fill the stats sheet with another empty calorie triple-double when he wins it all.

Look for Westbrook to play some of his most inspired basketball this year on the 2021-22 Lakers.