3. Russell Westbrook does not see the Frank Vogel defensive bump
Russell Westbrook is an interesting case when it comes to defense. The advanced numbers indicate that Westbrook is an above-average defensive player and it really is not hard to see why he would be.
Most of defense is effort and there is nobody in the league that puts in more effort every single night than Westbrook. That is why we see LeBron coast in regular-sesaon games and then turn it up and play elite-level defense in games that matter. Effort, when you are that talented, is the main difference-maker.
Of course, there is more that makes an elite defender but just to be an average or above-average defender you have to give 100% on the defensive end. These guys are pro basketball players, after all.
The thing with Westbrook, though, is that he puts in this effort and has decent advanced numbers but still is not regarded great defender. That mostly has to do with his decision-making, especially in crunch time of games.
Frank Vogel has done a really good job with this team’s defense, getting the most out of every player on the defensive end. While it will still work in the regular season in the second quarter, the things that Westbrook struggles with at the end of games is something the Lakers will have to learn to juggle, not outright eliminate.
You can put him in the best position to succeed but teams are still going to target him and he is still going to have that part of him that wants to play hero ball, especially if he is taking a smaller role on offense.