3 reasons a Russell Westbrook trade would make sense for the LA Lakers
Russell Westbrook has struggled this season, and speculation about the Lakers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">LA Lakers' intention to trade him has resurfaced.
The 2016-17 MVP has appeared in three games, averaging 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists on 28.9% shooting and just 8.3% from beyond the arc.
On Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Westbrook came off the bench to headline the second unit.
This situation, along with his shooting woes, has brought back the trade rumors and the LA Lakers' intention to move him.
That said, here are three reasons why a Westbrook trade would make sense for the 17-time NBA champions:
#1: Rusell Westbrook plays with zero confidence and hasn't found his place in the rotation
When Russell Westbrook joined the LA Lakers, he was supposed to bring explosiveness to the perimeter and another dimension to the team's playing style. That was to include scoring either from midrange or driving to the basket.
After four games, the guard is struggling and has no confidence in his game. This was obvious in defeats to the LA Clippers (103-97) and Portland Trail Blazers (106-104). Both franchises defended Westbrook with a center and took the risk of giving him open 3-pointers. He couldn't convert on both occasions and his poor shooting selection was one of the reasons for his team's consecutive losses.
Westbrook missed both of his fourth-quarter shots, including a jumper in the final minute, against the Blazers. His old version would have probably made both shots, but he is not playing at high standards.
The management and coaching staff is not giving up on Russell Westbrook, trying to find the best solution, yet maybe a trade would rejuvenate him.
#2: Russell Westbrook doesn't gel with LeBron James and Anthony Davis
Another issue the LA Lakers have twith Russell Westbrook is his on-court chemistry with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
All three are ball-dominant players. Therefore, it is clear there is no connection between the three superstars on the floor. For this to happen, two of the three should learn to play off the ball, which is unlikely to happen.
With that in mind, moving one sounds like the best solution. With James and Davis being untouchable, trading Westbrook could help the LA Lakers alter their playing style by adding players that better fit James and Davis.
#3: Trading Russell Westbrook could help the Lakers solve their shooting woes
The LA Lakers were one of the worst 3-point shooting teams last season. This offseason, they failed to bring in elite shooters and their 3-point percentage (22.3%, 33 of 148) is the lowest in the NBA.
Thus, despite playing well defensively (ranked 14th, 110.7 ppg), they can't take advantage of it offensively (29th, 103.3 ppg).
As a result, a Russell Westbrook trade could bring in players who can improve the team's shooting percentage. Buddy Hield (Indiana Pacers) or Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz) could help if the Lakers decide to trade with these two franchises.
At the moment, Westbrook remains part of the team and came off the bench in Friday night's road game at the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With the Lakers winless (0-4), if there is no improvement in the coming games, the franchise likely will consider speeding up the process of sending Westbrook elsewhere.