I admit I am a fan of Russell Westbrook. In an age where the general public is skeptical of the effort of NBA players all Russ does is play every game at maximum effort. Unfortunately because of some bad timing (Peak LeBron going to the Heat), questionable management decisions (Presti trading Harden over a difference of less than $10 million over 5 years), and bad luck (overaggressive half court challenge by Pat Beverly) the Thunder never held up the O’Brien trophy. Although Russ has his challenges that have been well documented I do believe he has not had the breaks that some of his peers have had.
I think that can all change with this move to the Lakers. He has the opportunity to play with a motivated LeBron still wanting to prove after the playoff and Olympic runs by Giannis and Durant that he is the best player in the world. The Lakers seem to have pulled together a roster with solid veteran role players (remember titles are not won with younger players) and young legs to help them get through the regular season. Many shooters and finishers to complement the skills of LeBron and notice I have not even mentioned Anthony Davis yet in this commentary. When healthy Davis is a Top 5 player in basketball; however, the “when healthy” appears to be the challenge.
How does Russ help?
Russ is a regular season warrior. A pure grinder who has led some teams with pretty inferior talent to playoffs with the post Durant Thunder and the Covid suffering Wizards last year. During the 2021-2022 season when Lebron either gets that injury that mid 30’s guys seem to acquire or wants to take a 2-3 week break mid-season to go to Miami and recharge Russ will be there to take on a bigger role. Even at this stage of this career, Russ is capable of leading Davis and the rest of the role playing Lakers to a 16-4 month and averaging a triple double. Same goes if Davis is out. Russ is capable and willing to bring out the best of the Ellington’s, Ariza’s, and Gasol’s of the world while also giving confidence to Horton-Tucker, Monk, and Nunn to do their thing when Russ is not controlling the game.
Why does that matter?
As the Lakers learned last year a top 3 seed is almost mandatory when making a long title run. Sure an upset or two is possible but getting that top seed usually gives a better matchup first round and sets up more for success if upsets happen in the Wild Wild West for the future rounds. Russ will drive the Lakers through the regular season to a Top 3 position. What happens in the playoffs I have no idea.
What will be Russ’s contribution? Will he be happy when LeBron sends him to the corner when he does screen/roll with Davis for 15 straight possessions? I doubt it. To be fair many superstar players don’t like being put in the corner (see Irving, Kyrie). But maybe just maybe he can adjust and cut on the backside for layups or catches where he can then be the facilitator to others for a rim roll or open 3. I know the Lakers don’t want him spotting up for more than the occasional 3 point opportunity so in order to secure his role for key playoff minutes Russ will have to adapt. I am betting his competitive juices will spark him to seek that other role. And if he does, how we will view Russ next June is going to be incredibly different. A man with 4 years averaging a triple double. The same amount of titles as some NBA greats like West, Pierce, Garnett, Oscar, and Dirk just to name a few. I am looking forward to seeing what he does next year and maybe proving a lot of people wrong.
Hoops With Holly 