Skip Bayless believes Russell Westbrook's injury will help LA Lakers shock Denver Nuggets through addition by subtraction: "This would be a classic case of cloud lifting away from the team's heads"
After a 0-3 start to the year, the LA Lakers are on pace for another down year. There are many reasons why they continue to trend in the wrong direction, with roster construction atop the list.
By far the most questionbale fit for the Lakers is Russell Westbrook. Since being acquired, the former MVP has struggled mightily to be a positive factor next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Many have made Westbrook the scapegoat for LA's woes, and now that theory will be put to the test. After suffering a hamstring injury in their last game, the All-Star point guard is doubtful to play Wednesday night against the Denver Nuggets.
Before things tipped off between the two teams, Skip Bayless chimed in on what Westbrook being out could mean for LeBron and company. He feels that if he misses the game, the team will manage to improve their play.
"If in fact Russ is out tonight, I believe the Lakers will shock Denver. ... This would be the classic case of the cloud lifting away from the team's heads."
Bayless added:
"I think it's an opportunity for LeBron, and Anthony, and everybody else to make a statement. 'We're just better off without him in our way.'"
Russell Westbrook is listed as doubtful tonight vs the Nuggets with hamstring soreness:
"If Russ is out tonight, I believe the Lakers will shock Denver. This would be the classic case of the cloud lifting away from the team's heads." — @RealSkipBayless https://t.co/eDWdhKVGhQ
LA Lakers' issues run deeper than just Russell Westbrook
While Bayless might feel this is a chance for the Lakers to prove that Russell Westbrook is the main cause of their problems, the opposite might happen. Instead, their matchup with the Denver Nuggets could bring up a much different point, that the team's issues run far deeper than their backcourt.
There is no denying that LA took a big risk trading for Westbrook and it did not pay off. However, the moves they've made since then have also not helped them get back to contender status.
Arguably the main reason why Westbrook hasn't fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis is because he is not a threat from beyond the arc. That being said, none of the players Rob Pelinka brought in this summer are effective floor spacers. Currently, LA is last in the NBA with a 3-point percentage at 21.2%.
Even with Westbrook being on the sidelines, it doesn't change the fact that the Lakers' supporting cast isn't strong enough. Compared to other contenders around the league, the band of players they have around their stars is arguably the weakest.
Some players might get to play more freely with Westbrook out of the mix, but the glaring lack of talent is still there. Given that the Nuggets have Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. back from injury, they are not going to be easy opponents.
Outside of LeBron and AD putting on a spectacular performance, it's unlikely they will walk away with their first win of the year.
Bayless might think this could be a turning point for LA, but instead they could display how far away this team is from being a threat to win the title.