Los Angeles Lakers: Defending Russell Westbrook from NBA critics

Reason #2: The numbers say Russell Westbrook is the most dominant point guard in NBA history

Only Russell Westbrook and Oscar “The Big O” Robertson have ever averaged a triple-double throughout an entire NBA season. The Big O did it 50 years ago when there were only nine teams and the pace of play was even faster than it was today.

Westbrook is the only player in NBA history to achieve the feat twice: once during his MVP season in Oklahoma City back in 2017 – and with the Washington Wizards last season.

Yes, you heard that correctly. Westbrook averaged a triple-double last season. That is absolutely insane. Any player who gets a triple-double in a game is widely praised. Westbrook somehow gets criticized for averaging a triple-double for an entire season.

Why is that? Is it because of how Westbrook gets his numbers?

That is somewhat true. His numbers are a bit skewed judging by advanced metrics. Washington led the league in pace last season. Westbrook is notorious for sandbagging defensive rebounds.

Nevertheless, Westbrook has had some masterful performances in his time in Washington. This game against the Indiana Pacers is a testament to his dominance.

Westbrook not only eats like a monster but sets the table for his teammates as well. Notice how Washington center Daniel Gafford got so many easy looks because Westbrook draws so much attention from opposing defenses.

A former second-round pick of the Chicago Bulls, Gafford hardly played until Washington was decimated with injuries and illness. Westbrook elevated Gafford from a benchwarmer to a legitimate starting center in the NBA.

If Westbrook can elevate Gafford’s game, imagine what he can do with Anthony Davis.

Conclusion: 

There will be no other player quite like Russell Westbrook. To exclude him from the upper echelon of point guards is absolutely mind-boggling. I hope that the narrative surrounding him changes as the Lakers bounce back in a resounding way this season.