Russell Westbrook breaks Magic Johnson's LA Lakers record with unique accomplishment: All you need to know
Russell Westbrook broke a record held by Magic Johnson in the LA Lakers' 126-108 win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Westbrook came off the bench to score 15 points, with 11 rebounds and 12 assists.
It was his second triple-double of the week, following his 12 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists against the Philadelphia 76ers. The former MVP now holds the record for most triple-doubles off the bench (2).
Johnson was the first player to record a triple-double off the bench, doing it back in 1996. He had 15 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists in a win against the Atlanta Hawks.
Russell Westbrook recorded two triple-doubles off the bench for the Lakers in a span of a week, breaking Magic Johnson's record from 1996.
Incredible!
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Russell Westbrook's new triple-double record
Russell Westbrook is the undisputed king of triple-doubles. Westbrook is the all-time leader in triple-doubles with 196 and counting. He broke Oscar Robertson's record in May 11 last year.
Westbrook's second triple-double off the bench also set a new NBA record. With his role as the LA Lakers' sixth man, he could add a few more to his record this season.
While Westbrook owns the record for most triple-doubles in NBA history, Magic Johnson still has the record for most triple-doubles in playoffs. Johnson has 30 triple-doubles during his postseason career, while Westbrook only has 12.
Meanwhile, LeBron James only needs three more to break the record. If the Lakers make the postseason, James might break two all-time records this season — the all-time scoring and all-time playoff triple-doubles.
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LA Lakers reluctant to trade Russell Westbrook
Westbrook has potentially saved his career by agreeing to come off the bench for the LA Lakers this season. He has been playing great since becoming the Lakers' sixth man, averaging 15.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists off the bench.
Sam Amick of The Athletic cited sources saying that the Lakers are reluctant to part ways with Westbrook due to his recent performances. The former MVP has been linked to a lot of trade rumors since the offseason, but he has now forced the Lakers to tinker about their roster.
The Lakers have been playing well in the last three weeks but still need shooters. They're the worst 3-point shooting team in the NBA this season. If they could add a shooter or two without trading Westbrook, the Lakers could become legitimate playoff contenders.
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