Los Angeles Lakers: Why Russell Westbrook to LA is not happening

Sep 8, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Markieff Morris (88) during the first half of game three in the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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3. He won’t be able to be the main ball handler

The Athletic came out and said Westbrook wanted out because of accountability issues and wanting to revert back to his OKC floor-general role. In OKC, Westbrook had free reign, he was the main guy and had the ball whenever he wanted. He was the guy who ran the offense and called the plays.

When he was traded to Houston, he knew his game would have to change. He played great before the league shut down. But when the bubble started, he didn’t look comfortable in the offense and looked frustrated at times.

In Houston, Westbrook will never be the main ball handler. The team has James Harden and his ability to space the floor and drive to the rim. He also is an excellent creator.

So that leaves Westbrook running the team only when Harden is off the floor or Harden starts playing decoy. Westbrook played a lot off the ball and that’s not his game and never has been. His weakness is shooting the ball, and it showed last year shooting 25.8% from 3-point range.

LeBron handles the ball for the Lakers and has maybe the best court vision of any player in NBA history. Westbrook wants to be the main ball handler. So you’re basically going from one uncomfortable position to another for him.

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