Los Angeles Lakers: 3 ways Russell Westbrook would help the Lakers

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 18: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards reacts during the first half of a game in the play-in tournament against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 18, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /

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Russell Westbrook is an elite third scorer

People can question the way in which Russell Westbrook scores the basketball. They can criticize his terrible 3-point shooting and they can complain about his usage at times, but one thing is for certain.

Russell Westbrook gets buckets.

When you have LeBron James who is 36, you want to have multiple players capable of taking the scoring load off his shoulders.

Westbrook does that and then some.

On nights when LeBron James and Anthony Davis weren’t on offensively last season, the Lakers struggled mightily as the likes of Kyle Kuzma, Dennis Schröder and Montrezl Harrell struggled to score consistently on a nightly basis.

With Russell Westbrook on the Lakers, the pressure won’t be half as intense for LBJ and Ad to show out on a nightly basis as Russ can be a one-man offense if he needs to be.

Allowing Westbrook to score, will allow LeBron to take a breather at times and not have to push himself so hard. The same can be said for Anthony Davis.

AD can focus more on defense and allow Russ to help out on offense.

Westbrook gives A+ effort each and every night. There are few players in NBA history who play harder on a night-to-night basis than Westbrook.

Westbrook being the Lakers’ 3rd scorer would be a blessing and while his lack of 3-point shooting might hurt the Lakers at times, they will still have a player who on any given night can go for 40.

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