USA - Kobe 'favorite' Westbrook torments Lakers

LOS ANGELES (NBA/Olympics) - Russell Westbrook could not have made a louder statement to USA Basketball than his 36-point explosion against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.

Fighting for a spot on the United States Olympic team, the Oklahoma City star tore apart the Western Conference giants at the Staples Center and led the Thunder to a 102-93 win.

Westbrook, who played college basketball in the city at UCLA, also had six assists.

If Kobe Bryant, who played for the USA in China four years ago and is a leading candidate to compete in London, has a say in the matter, Westbrook will be on the plane to the Olympics come July.

"Russell Westbrook established the tempo in the third quarter, and he changed the pace of the game for them," the Lakers superstar said.

"He's one of my favorites.

"He's developed his outside shot a great deal, and he went to the post a little bit as well, so he's a problem."

Westbrook played at the World Championship in Turkey but with Chris Paul and others battling for spots in the national team, competition is fierce.

FIBA