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Los Angeles Lakers: Laker fans debate the Russell Westbrook trade

By Ronald Agers

Apr 30, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) drives to the basket in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) drives to the basket in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Russell Westbrook
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Shooting will not be a issue for Russell Westbrook in the regular season…but the playoffs?    

The motivation behind this deal for Westbrook is giving the Lakers insurance in case AD or LeBron misses time next year or gets load managed at times during the season. During the long 82 game season, his presence can help replace some of that lost production should either player sit out. Last year, James averaged 25.0 points, 7.8 assists and 7.7 rebounds while AD posted 21.8 points, 7.9 boards and 1.6 blocks.

However LeBron James and Anthony Davis missed a combined 63 games and  the Lakers didn’t fare well without both of them on the floor.

  • The Lakers were 12-15 in regular-season games without James (30-15 record with him in the lineup). 
  • The Lakers were 19-17 in games without AD in the lineup (21-13 record with him on the floor).

Ricky Welch:

He played well in Washington, did you really think that team was playoff caliber? I thought Russ played some of his best ball in a minute last season. Houston was a three-point oriented team, but they didn’t know Westbrook isn’t a three point shooter? I think the system was the problem in Houston. 32 is still 32 Ron, the guy is still in his prime. He goes hard at all times, that is a rare attribute in the NBA. That spirit alone can left a team in key moments.

But the question is can Ricky Welch’s analysis transfer over to the postseason when playoff teams put together defensive schemes to force Westbrook to shoot jumpers? How about his attitude when LeBron goes back to dominating the ball deeper into the playoffs? Outside of his lone season in Houston, Westbrook’s postseason career has been full of first round exits.

McKinley Webb:

I just think the adjustment of playing off the ball (he can’t shoot) and working with AD and LeBron would be beyond what he is capable…and that emotional factor…Will he be there when LA needs him?…Just not a good fit…Again, I would rather go with Lowry, Hield, CP3 before Westbrook…all of those guys can shoot and know how to compliment other players…

Speaking of Buddy Hield, there are rumors that the Lakers aren’t done and will try to make deal (Good luck with that!) with Sacramento.

But right now the Lakers have two of the top five players in career triple-doubles. Westbrook has 184 and LeBron has 99.

Who won the debate? There’s a comment section below named The Underground. Join the debate below.

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