The standard train of thought regrading the Sacramento Kings 2025-2026 season is that it's going to get really ugly, really fast, and stay that way. Russell Westbrook doesn't agree. He thinks the shoulder chip everyone rooting against you creates will be huge team motivation. And he might be right.
When it comes to playing with something to prove, Westbrook is an expert. Despite his success, everyone has something to say about the man. He can be a polarizing figure who has a lot on his mind and no problem voicing his opinions. That does attract commentary on his game.
None of that changes the fact that he's basically a living legend going into his 18th season as the king of triple-doubles. On more than one occasion, Westbrook has had to prove the haters, the critics, and the doubters wrong, coming up with a victory when no one thought he could.
Changing the Kings' culture
For better or worse, Scott Perry recently talked about how the main reason the Kings brought Westbrook in to help change their culture. That attitude of playing harder because of the chip on your shoulder is exactly what the Kings need to forge their way forward this season.
Much of the NBA is expecting a terrible season of legendary proportions for the Kings. And they could be right. At the same time, that could also be the exact type of motivation the Kings need to get it together and figure out a way to win with the roster they have in place.
Russell Westbrook certainly thinks so. In a media scrum after practice, he discussed the impact playing with that kind of pressure is motivation to take your game to the next level. Winning in spite of the haters can be an excellent driving force.
It could be a good Kings' season
Despite what the majority of people seem to think, there is potential for this to actually be a solid season for the Kings. No, they're not going to make the NBA Championship or even get to the playoffs. There's a lot of work to do before the Kings get to that point.
What could be a victory is finding the passion to play and a team dynamic that will carry them into the post-season in the future. This season is the Kings' chance to show the league that they're to be taken seriously.
If that is the culture change Perry thinks Westbrook can bring to the Kings, there is something there worth pursuing. And if it doesn't work out the way he's thinking, there's always an opportunity at the trade deadline to right the ship.