Russell Westbrook says Los Angeles Lakers need to make sure they "have each other's backs" as they bid to find some form over the remainder of the regular season.
The Lakers entertain Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday and they are 17/10 to win in the Money Line, while the Mavs can be backed at 20/23 with a -5 handicap in the Point Spread.
Five lost in last six
The Lakers have lost five of their last six games and slipped to a demoralising 123-95 defeat at home to New Orleans Pelicans last time out, leading to the team being booed by the home crowd.
The LA outfit sit in ninth place in the Western Conference and are in danger of missing out on the post-season altogether.
An automatic play-off spot looks out of reach as they are eight-and-a-half games behind Denver Nuggets in sixth spot and just two-and-a-half ahead of Portland Trail Blazers in 11th with 22 games remaining.
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Westbrook, who won the MVP award in 2017, feels the Lakers can get their season back on track and has urged his teammates to battle through the adversity as they look to secure a place in the play-in tournament over the course of their remaining games.
Stay positive says Westbrook
"With what's going on with the season, injuries, even the crowd booing, it's a lot for some people. It can take a toll," he said, via Reuters.
"All I can do is stay positive, keep encouraging my team-mates and keep building confidence in our locker room."
He added: "During times like these everybody likes to point fingers. That's the easy way out, instead of owning what we do and making sure we have each other's backs and are there for your brother."
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