“He was kind of his own worst enemy against the Pelicans” - NBA analyst describes what went wrong with Russell Westbrook on a game-winning night against Pelicans
Russell Westbrook's decision to stay with the LA Lakers has been questioned since the start of the season. NBA analyst Dave McMenamin believes Westbrook is not 100% bought-in with the Lakers.
The Lakers have struggled this season, recording only two wins in eight outings. Westbrook has received some of the blame, the same as it was last season.
Despite Westbrook's attempts to confirm that he enjoys playing for the Lakers, many are still in doubt. McMenamin highlighted a scenario to buttress his point.
On "That's OD," he said:
"It looked like everything was trending in the right direction. He comes off the bench in Minnesota, the Lakers don't win that game but he was playing a pass-first style of ball. He was playing with excellent energy. You saw the defensive commitment that he brought late in that game."
After talking about Westbrook's defensive matchups and how he had some over-the-top deflections against Rudy Gobert, he continued:
"He puts together even better in the first win of the season against Denver 18-8-8. And he was dynamite in the first half against New Orleans. A near triple-double in the first half alone, but as the game progressed there was different matchups that were working better for Darvin Ham.
"And in the final three minutes or so of the fourth quarter and all of overtime, Russell Westbrook is on the bench while the Lakers are salvaging a win against the Pelicans."
He added:
"Quite frankly, it was apparent to myself. It was apparent to other people in the locker room who I spoke to that Russ's body language was not buying in. Once he got pulled and put on the bench late in the fourth quarter, you saw him kind of separate himself from his teammates. Not necessarily like sitting at the end of the bench or anything like that.
"I will tell you the team was ready to embrace him and really praising him for the level of sacrifice that he showed in taking this bench role. And he took a big leap forward by embracing that role and showing some success. But he was kind of his own worst enemy against the Pelicans the way he reacted to a decision that was meant to help the team."
Nonetheless, Westbrook seems to have developed a great relationship with his teammates. He recently bought a house across the street from LeBron James.
Westbrook and Anthony Davis have also developed great chemistry on the floor. The Lakers' biggest worry about him playing with Patrick Beverley earlier in the season also seems to have become a thriving relationship.
Russell Westbrook now beloved by LA fans
Russell Westbrook has been on a journey to redeem himself and has made progress so far. So much so that Lakers fans are starting to cheer him on.
The veteran guard had endured a rough spell since joining the Lakers, and not many believed he could succeed with the team. However, Westbrook has turned things around and is showing his value.
Some could argue that the Lakers would not have gotten two in the win column this season without Westbrook. Boos have now turned into MVP chants as Westbrook warms his way back into the hearts of fans.
In their last outing against the Utah Jazz, fans chanted "MVP" whenever Westbrook was at the free-throw line. He knocked down all five attempts and finished with a team-high 26 points.
Russell Westbrook is slowly embracing his role as the sixth man. He has played their last four games off the bench and has been one of their best players.