"Russell Westbrook is the paint on a house that has electrical, plumbing, and foundation issues"- NBA analyst says LA Lakers' problems run deeper than Russell Westbrook
Sports analyst Colin Cowherd has claimed that the Los Angeles Lakers' problems run deeper than Russell Westbrook's game. The former league MVP has been under immense scrutiny ever since he joined the Lakers last summer.
With the Los Angeles Lakers suffering a humiliating loss at the hands of the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors, on opening night, the media analysis has already started. The Lakers don't have two of the most important skillsets needed to win a championship in the modern era -- outside shooting and athletic two-way wings.
Colin Cowherd, who hosts the show 'The Herd with Colin Cowherd' on Fox Sports, has pointed out that Russell Westbrook isn't the Lakers' only issue. Cowherd stated that their issues run way deeper than him.
"I do not believe Russell Westbrook will be the cause of what will be a bad Lakers season. He is a symptom of what's wrong with the Lakers. He has no business being on the team. No general manager worth his paycheck would put a guy who can't play off-ball and needs the ball with LeBron."
The Lakers will continue to be scrutinized as the regular season starts to heat up. Colin Cowherd added:
"Russell Westbrook is the paint on a house that has electrical, plumbing, and foundation issues. It could use some new paint, but it's got much bigger issues. And it is what he is. It is like asking Tom Brady to run RPOs. It is not what he does."
Russell Westbrook and Lakers look to bounce back this season but Western Conference looks loaded
The Western Conference continues to be stacked. There are several championship-caliber teams in the mix to win it all. Defending champions Golden State Warriors look even more dangerous this season with their young core gaining more reps throughout the season. The gap between the Lakers and the Warriors was evident during the opening night clash.
The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers will look to bounce back this season. Last time either of the two squads had their star players, they ended up making the Western Conference finals. The Clippers will welcome back their All-Star duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Meanwhile, the Nuggets will get back their young duo of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
Speaking of Western Conference finalists, the Dallas Mavericks will look to build on the success they had last season. With Luka Doncic upping his fitness levels and the Mavericks adding much-needed depth to their front-court, things are looking bright for the franchise.
With teams like the Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers also in the mix, the Western Conference looks as loaded as ever heading into the new season.
To compete with these teams, the Lakers will need to up their game or might not even make the playoffs. As presently constructed though, the Lakers don't look like a team that can challenge for the championship. This is disheartening to see as the Lakers waste what might be the last few years of LeBron James' basketball career.