“He'll get triple-doubles just like he did in Oklahoma City” - Former NBA player asserts Russell Westbrook to fine-tune his skills for winning on Lakers
Russell Westbrook is attempting to find his groove with the LA Lakers. With their slow start to the season, the Lakers are hoping he finds it quickly.
Since being acquired from the Washington Wizards before the 2021-22 season, Westbrook's play has seen a decline. It's been part of the many reasons why the Lakers have struggled. Los Angeles is 1-5 after winning its first game Sunday, 121-110 over the Denver Nuggets.
Ironically enough, it was Westbrook's best performance of the season. Coming off the bench, the veteran guard finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists on 6-of-12 shooting. He has shown flashes but has struggled with his efficiency during his time in Los Angeles.
Time will tell if coming off the bench could be just what Westbrook needs to find his role on this team. Someone who believes Westbrook needs to adapt is former NBA player Brevin Knight.
"I also say to Russ, when did you start to change or start to say, 'What do I have to do with my game so that I can continue to affect winning?'" Knight said on "The VC Show." "He has not done enough with his individual game to put him in a position to affect winning with that present Lakers team.
"Now we put him on a lesser team and say give him the ball and let him run around. He'll get triple-doubles just like he did in Oklahoma City. But in a winning situation, how does your skills help teams, help this team win? He hasn't figured that out."
Russell Westbrook looking to adapt with LA Lakers
It's been a difficult journey for Russell Westbrook during his tenure with the LA Lakers. Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game last season. He also shot just 29.8% from 3-point range.
It was the first year since 2009-10 in which the floor general averaged less than 20.0 ppg. If Westbrook is going to find a way to positively impact this Lakers team, it's going to have to be in a different role.
That's just what Lakers coach Darvin Ham has believed as well. Since being hired this offseason, Ham has continued to offer support for the 33-year-old guard.
"When I'm in a right position to be able to help my teammates and make them better, it's beneficial for everybody in my opinion."
Russell Westbrook on coming off the bench 💯 https://t.co/4nFqIcLmHN
Time will tell if Ham's vision for the former superstar can come together. Westbrook was recently moved out of the starting lineup. In his last two games off the bench, Westbrook has averaged 18.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg and 5.5 apg. During that stretch, he's shot 41.4%, including 37.5% from 3-point range.