"Russell Westbrook's 0-for-11 happens, but he looks miserable"- NBA analyst believes Russell Westbrook's body language is a bigger worry than performances, says players have shot worse in history
NBA analyst Tim Reynolds believes that Russell Westbrook's body language is a bigger worry than his shooting performances. The player continues to be a disappointment for the LA Lakers, resulting in even more media scrutiny.
Westbrook had a disastrous performance yet again as the Lakers lost to the LA Clippers 103-97 on Thursday night in their first battle-for-LA clash this season. Westbrook didn't score a single field goal. The former league MVP finished with two points, three rebounds, and four assists in 27 minutes.
"Russell Westbrook's 0-for-11 happens, but he looks miserable," Reynolds tweeted.
Westbrook is one of the league's most energetic and aggressive players. However, the former OKC Thunder star looks like he is past his prime. His shooting is arguably among the worst in the league at this point. And without the ball in his hands, his utility to the Lakers is a net negative at times.
Tim Hardaway was 0 for 17 once.
Ray Allen and Vince Carter both had 0-for-13 games.
Andrew Wiggins and Chris Paul have gone 0 for 12.
Kyle Korver, Mark Price, Doc Rivers and even Joel Embiid have gone 0 for 11.
Russell Westbrook's 0 for 11 happens.
But he looks miserable.
LA Lakers to move on from Russell Westbrook soon?
With the window of LeBron James' prime days nearing an end, the LA Lakers need to be in win-now mode.
Anthony Davis started the season on a positive note. However, the team looks average on paper, and the claims have been validated after their opening two games, both losses.
The Lakers have two glaring weaknesses: outside shooting and two-way athletic wings. These are the most important aspects in the modern NBA to win a championship. With the Lakers lacking both and Westbrook having a sizable contract that can be traded, it seems logical that he'll be moved at some point.
Westbrook desperately needs a fresh start, and the Lakers need a couple of solid role players who can knock down threes and defend opposing team's wings. However, the trade might not happen until after Thanksgiving.
LA Lakers face stiff competition to make playoffs in stacked Western Conference
With the Western Conference looking stacked and the LA Lakers playing subpar, LeBron and company might have a tough time reaching the playoffs.
The Lakers have had a tough time since they won the NBA championship in 2020. They lost to the Phoenix Suns in the first round the following season and did not make the playoffs last year. This season might end up being a similar story as last season if the LA Lakers do not start winning.
Young teams in the Western Conference are starting to reach their potential. With Zion Williamson coming back healthy, the New Orleans Pelicans might be one of the biggest threats in the West. The Minnesota Timberwolves traded for Rudy Gobert in the summer to add to their duo of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Of course, add the Golden State Warriors, the defending champions, to the mix. Then there are the Memphis Grizzlies, led by a fiesty Ja Morant, and the Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic, providing more top-level competition.
Plus, other past conference finalists like the LA Clippers (2021) and Denver Nuggets (2020) should be stronger with key players returning. Even the Portland Trail Blazers (2019 conference finalists) could be in for a rebound with Damian Lillard back.
The LA Lakers need to fix their issues and start winning consistently to even get to the playoffs.