Los Angeles Lakers: Frank Vogel's defensive genius versus Houston

Los Angeles Lakers: Frank Vogel’s defensive genius versus Houston

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers signals against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

5 of 6

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

4. He was counting on Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is certainly the odd man out in this three-point-shooting lineup for the Rockets.

The idea was that by double-teaming Harden and consequentially rotating, the Los Angeles Lakers could afford to leave Westbrook alone on the arc. And in fact, he did not disappoint, going 1-for-7 from three in Game 2. He also turned the ball over seven times, finding the area filled when he penetrated.

As previously mentioned, he had 30 points in Game 3, but they were the product of a 13-point first-quarter burst, which was fast to run out. Then, he reverted back to his usual damaging wandering for the rest of the game scoring just 17 points, leading the team yet again with 3 turnovers and closing with a game-worst -14 plus/minus.

Westbrook does not require particular attention as some of his teammates do. He is mostly kept in check by himself.

The Rockets are at their most dangerous when they deploy five shooters on the arc. That is why Vogel hopes that D’Antoni keeps his promise to maintain playing Wes despite the adversities.

Home/Lakers News