Lillard: Criticism against Westbrook 'is just crazy to me'

Damian Lillard believes Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook has become an unfair target of criticism in recent years.

Lillard came to Westbrook's defense during an appearance on the "Back on Figg" podcast, saying he finds it "crazy" how some people speak about the former MVP.

"The fact that people talk on his name and how they be just making him an easy target and a subject and everything like that, that shit is just crazy to me," Lillard said. "But it also shows you how this game is and how people are and why you can't really put no stock into none of this shit. When you good with 'em, you good with 'em. When you bad with 'em, everybody be just throwing darts."

While Lillard said he doesn't think the criticism has affected Westbrook's performance on the court, he does think it gets under his skin.

"I don't even think it affects Russ game-wise," Lillard said. "I think it affects him, like, 'Y'all better stop playing with me. How y'all disrespecting me like this?' I think it affects him like that to where it makes him irritated."

Westbrook appeared in 21 games with the Clippers last season after being traded by the Los Angeles Lakers and subsequently waived by the Utah Jazz. He re-signed with the Clippers in July on a two-year, $8-million deal.