NBA Rumors: Russell Westbrook is receiving interest from teams after improved performance off the bench
Russell Westbrook's value has increased since his outstanding performances as the lakers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">LA Lakers' sixth man this season. Now that Westbrook's numbers are up, teams have been inquiring about the All-Star guard.
The Lakers are 2-9 after losing 114-101 to the LA Clippers on Wednesday night. As the second-worst team in the Western Conference, Los Angeles (2-9) is trying to improve its situation. Many are counting on the Lakers to make the playoffs, despite how management has built the team.
According to sportswriter Chris Haynes, teams have been inquiring about Westbrook's tradability. However, the talks haven't been serious yet.
"With Russell Westbrook thriving in his new role as a sixth man, the Lakers are now receiving calls about his availability, sources say, but talks are not at a serious stage," Haynes wrote.
“With Russell Westbrook thriving in his new role as a sixth man, the Lakers are now receiving calls about his availability, sources say, but talks are not at a serious stage.”
(via @ChrisBHaynes) https://t.co/imhKT5n9Hb
Since taking on the new role, Westbrook has improved his numbers The nine-time All-Star is averaging 18.6 points, 7.1 assists and 5.1 rebounds. The explosive guard has also improved his shooting, making 49.5%, including 42.9% of his 3-pointers.
Although it hasn't translated into a plethora of wins, his transition has been effective so far. The Lakers are looking forward to getting out of their four-game losing slump. They'll take on the Sacramento Kings (4-6) on Friday night.
Also read: Reports: LA Lakers' Russell Westbrook becomes the betting favorite for Sixth Man of the Year award
Russell Westbrook isn't the problem for the Lakers
At the beginning of this season, Russell Westbrook was reluctant to come off the bench. After playing three games without a win, coach Darvin Ham finally made the call and assigned Westbrook to be the leader of the second unit. The transition didn't give the Lakers a ton of wins, but it improved the star's numbers.
Now it's clear that putting the 2016-17 MVP into the starting lineup wasn't a problem for the squad. With him on the bench, the Lakers have only been able to generate two wins so far. In the end, it's the general lack of floor spacing for the team that has hindered them.
Their defense has also improved, but it's their offense that is suffering. The Lakers are ranked dead-last in the offensive net rating with 103.2. Meanwhile, they're in the middle of the pack around the entire league in defensive net rating.
Floor spacing has been the team's problem since last season. General manager Rob Pelinka hasn't addressed the issue yet, which is why the team is suffering.
Los Angeles made it look like it solved its problems by putting the nine-time All-NBA on the bench. However, they haven't moved the needle, even with the star guard's move.
Also read: LA Lakers coach reveals getting Russell Westbrook the respect he deserves was one of his main goals: “I told him, ‘Believe in me bro, I’ll put you in a position to succeed’”