“Russell Westbrook saved LeBron James, it’s impossible but it happened!” - Skip Bayless doubts LeBron James single-handedly carrying the Lakers through the season
Russell Westbrook has been proving the doubters wrong and having an absolute blast while doing so. Since embracing the sixth-man role, Westbrook has continued to put on a show for LA fans.
In his first game off the bench, Russell Westbrook scored 18 points and had eight rebounds. Although the team lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers were able to pick up their first win of the season in two days. During the 121-110 win over the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook again scored 18 points to go along with eight rebounds and as many assists.
Arguably the most impressive number of the night was the 2-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc. Considering the fact that Westbrook has shot 20% from the 3-point line this season, it was surprising to see him hit from downtown. For a team notoriously struggling with perimeter shooting, Westbrook's pair of 3-pointers were sorely needed.
The way longtime analyst Skip Bayless sees things, Westbrook bailed LeBron James out. After James struggled from the field early on, it was the former OKC Thunder star who gave the team a spark plug off the bench:
"Russ had caught fire with the second unit, and it stayed fire all the way through the game. And Russ wound up in that game the other night a +18. That's shocking, while LeBron, believe it or not, was a -1 for the game. Well, he saved LeBron. Russell Westbrook saved LeBron James? It’s impossible but it happened!”
The comments came on a recent episode of "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed," which you can watch below. Bayless' comments begin at the 6:30 mark.
Where do LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and the Lakers go from here?
With Russell Westbrook now coming off the bench, Bayless questioned whether the team had cracked the code. Although it was just their first win of the season, it's hard to deny that the Lakers looked good. While matching up with the Denver Nuggets, a playoff team from last season, the Lakers proved they belonged.
Of course, whether or not they're able to sustain the momentum remains to be seen. There's no denying that the Lakers have performed well on the defensive end of the floor. It's the offensive end that has many worried.
Throughout the team's first several games of the season, they struggled offensively and posted one of the worst offensive efficiency ratings in the league.
If Russell Westbrook continues to play at this level, and Anthony Davis is able to remain healthy, the team could wind up surprising a lot of people. If the group isn't able to sustain a high-level of play, a trade for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield could be made before the trade deadline.
With a marquee matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on tap for Wednesday night, much of the NBA community will be watching. With the Pelicans projected to be a top team in the Western Conference thanks to a healthy Zion Williamson, the Lakers could be in for a rough night.
Do you think the Lakers will be able to pull off an upset win Wednesday night? Give us your predictions for their showdown with the Pelicans below.