Russell Westbrook is finally conceding that he has to change his ways. However, it’s not clear what the Lakers will get in return when they trade him away at the deadline. The move could pay off big time for Laker Nation if they can bring back a superstar who wants to be on their team and make them relevant again.
The “los angeles lakers record” is a question that has been on the minds of many Lakers fans. Russell Westbrook has finally acknowledged he needs to change his ways, but his actions will ultimately define the Lakers season.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ disappointing season can be ascribed to one individual, according to many Purple and Gold fans: Russell Westbrook is a basketball player who plays for the Oklahoma.
Despite the fact that LA has a slew of reasons why the 2021-22 season hasn’t gone as planned, Westbrook is the face of the team’s problems. He was acquired by the Lakers as a third All-Star to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but the former MVP has harmed the club with turnovers, missed shoots, and bad chemistry.
The Lakers can no longer claim to have lots of time to straighten things out with a 21-21 record. It’s time for a change in Los Angeles, and it all starts with Westbrook.
Russell Westbrook is a basketball player who plays for the Oklahoma’s first season in Los Angeles has been a complete disaster.
Westbrook’s statistics are a fantastic illustration of how numbers can be deceiving at times.
The 33-year-old is averaging almost a triple-double per game this season, leading the NBA with nine. Russ is one of the few players on the team who has started every game this season, averaging 18.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists.
But that’s where the good news ends.
Then there’s the issue of turnovers. During the preseason, Westbrook shocked fans by committing a league-high 23 turnovers in four games. However, his proclivity for throwing the ball away continued into the regular season, as he had nine and ten turnovers in two of his first five games.
The high amount of turnovers continued until January 4, when Westbrook had his first turnover-free game of the season and first in his career since March 14, 2016, a stretch of 407 games.
Russ should be commended for reducing turnovers. The nine-time All-season Star’s average has dropped to 4.4 per game, with just four turnovers in his previous four games. His shooting issues, on the other hand, have suddenly taken center stage.
Westbrook, who has never been regarded as a strong shooter, is making only 28.8% of his 3-point tries. His field-goal percentage is also 43.7 percent, which is the lowest it’s been since he was with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2018-19. Brodie’s turnover-free performance has been neutralized in the previous three games, with shooting outings of 4-of-14, 2-of-12, and 2-of-14, respectively.
Westbrook stated that he needed to make changes.
Westbrook is no stranger to turnovers and missed shots. His field-goal percentage and turnover percentages are in line with his 14-year norm. While the highs and lows may have been acceptable when he was leading the Thunder or playing in low-pressure games with the Washington Wizards, being on a team with LeBron inevitably raises the stakes.
Westbrook said in an interview with The Athletic that this season hasn’t gone as planned and that he must be the one to make the most changes.
“As a team, as a unit, we’re all trying to figure it out so we can say, ‘OK, how can we work this out?’” And I know I’m the one who has to make the most sacrifice — and I realize that — so I’ve got to find out a way to make the most of it and do what’s best for this team, and that’s it.”
Russell Westbrook is a basketball player who plays for the Oklahoma
When questioned about how the Lakers have employed him, Westbrook replied, “Trying to figure things out.” “I mean, we don’t have an answer yet.” We’ve adjusted our playing style a few times. Just for me, it’s figuring out the best way to integrate how I play the game with this squad.”
If the Los Angeles Lakers are going to save the season, Westbrook must actually alter.
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Westbrook and his teammates were initially unconcerned about any early-season slumps. However, LA has already completed more than half of the season. And no one is viewing the Purple and Gold as a championship contender at this point.
It’s encouraging that Westbrook is willing to make a sacrifice. And he’s completely correct. Russ must take a backseat in the offense, even if Davis is still rehabbing from a knee strain. That means no more erroneous three-pointers or midrange bank shots that just hit the backboard. On the squad, there are just superior shooters who need more chances to score.
Talk and action, on the other hand, are two very different things.
Westbrook was well aware that joining the Lakers would entail some sacrifice, as The Athletic reported earlier this summer. Russ hasn’t let that stop him from attempting to take leadership of an offense that already has one of the best scorers and playmakers in history.
Westbrook must realize that he is not the team’s first, second, or even third option if the Lakers are to genuinely right the ship and finish the season strong. Even if his $44 million salary puts him in first place on the club. He should be pushing the Lakers in transition, finding open shooters, and being aggressive on defense at this stage. That’s not to suggest he won’t ever score, but his shot selection has to be seriously reconsidered.
Will Westbrook be able to justify his pay as a role player? Obviously not. However, the value he’ll bring will result in much more victories than what he’s now producing.
Basketball Reference provided all statistics, while Spotrac provided contract data.
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