Lakers guard Russell Westbrook has undoubtedly performed better since head coach Darvin Ham decided to bring him off the bench. In three games (28.5 minutes) as a starter, he averaged 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists on .280/.083/.800 shooting compared to 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 8.1 assists on .449/.415/.810 shooting in nine games (29.6 minutes) as a reserve.
However, as Kyle Goon of The Southern California News Group writes, turnovers and unpredictable play have tempered Westbrook’s otherwise solid production since the transition. He’s averaging 4.4 turnovers off the bench and sometimes meanders through important possessions without setting the offense.
According to Goon, Ham replaced Westbrook with rookie Max Christie with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter of the Lakers’ victory over Brooklyn on Sunday, and the team’s lead went from six points up to 18 in five minutes. Westbrook struggled to close the third quarter, going 0-for-3 with a turnover during a stretch that saw the Lakers’ 16-point lead cut down to three.
There’s mounting evidence that it might be wise for Ham to sit Westbrook at the end of games, Goon notes. Even though it’s been a team-wide issue for the 3-10 Lakers, Westbrook is shooting just 1-for-7 in clutch situations and has the worst plus/minus (-19) on the roster in those minutes.
Here’s more on the Lakers:
- Christie, the 35th overall pick of June’s draft, has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin tweets. The 19-year-old has been in the rotation over the past four games, averaging 4.5 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 50% from three-point range in 20.2 minutes per game over that stretch.
- Ham told reporters that Dennis Schröder and Thomas Bryant are probable for Friday’s game against the Pistons, per Mike Bresnahan of Spectrum SportsNet (Twitter link). Both players underwent thumb surgery just before the regular season began and have yet to play this season, so Friday could mark their 2022/23 debuts.
- LeBron James was a non-contact participant in Wednesday’s practice, Bresnahan adds. James is considered day-to-day with a left adductor strain. His status will be updated Thursday.
Ok. Knock it off, I know it gets clicks but Westbrook isn’t the issue. For real.
4.4 turnovers per game is pretty horrendous but some of that has to do with being surrounded by a lot of subpar teammates and having to try to do too much. I still think with 3 competent shooters that can play a little D and a good rim running big Russ could lead a team to a playoff berth.
My point is not that Westbrook is having a good year, it’s that the scapegoating of Westbrook is ridiculous.
This team stinks regardless of what he is doing out there.
I agree completely.
I agree, The problem is roster construction, Westbrook needs to be surrounded by shooters that can also defend but this team doesn’t have enough shooting
Westbrook pursuit. Media is nitpicking.
He’s playing really well off the bench. Dynamic Sixth Man. Obviously in another franchise that lets him run the gauntlet, he would be quite similar to His usual dominating self. But even in LAL he’s now giving very positive contribution.
Obviously some people Will never care and Will criticize anyways. But, how legitimate Is their word?
I agree that Brodie has done well. His defense, effort, and decision making has vastly improved. He’s shown patience especially looking for others in key offense sequences. whereas previously he was selfish, too ambitious, and sloppy. I want those turnovers to go down, but if you watch closely, the team is relying on Brodie to do too much, especially when the clock winds down. That’s not his fault.
Using Westbrook as a scape goat is so petty. The Lakers are a joke. Lebron and AD aren’t making the playoffs again. I would be blowing that roster to bits asap
Westbrook is part of the problem , but yes there are other issues. But hopefully Westbrook will be traded and more shooting will be added to the team!!!
Go Lakers
Lakers Fan For Like
Now they’re attempting to convince Westbrook that, “It’s not who starts – or finishes… it’s who plays in the middle!”
AD needs to lead the team. And many times he looks like a stiff. Although, He’s had has good games as of recent.
He’s been playing his ass off this season but LeBron, Westbrook and Davis can’t makeup for the rest of the team.
Say Russ continues that production for the bench which all know he’s capable of. Does he win sixth man of the year??
20-8-6 off the bench??
Who beats those numbers?
Obviously the lack of suns will count hugely against him but his name will be in the conversation if he can keep doing what he’s doing