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Russell Westbrook can still help the Los Angeles Lakers

By Kevin Germany

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 02: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on January 02, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 02: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on January 02, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Russell Westbrook’s rise started as a lockdown defender… in college!

Russell Westbrook needs to go back to what has gotten him to this point. No, I am not talking about how he got the MVP and all the triple-doubles.

I am talking about how he got to the NBA in the first place. He was drafted 4th overall based on his defensive potential in college.

While at UCLA, he was named defensive player of the year in the Pac-10 conference. His initial scouting report going into the 2008 NBA Draft speaks to his defensive potential.

"“(Westbrook) really excels defensively and has a chance to develop into a great defender … His anticipation for steals and his on ball defensive ability are special.”"

This was 15 years ago! Russell Westbrook is not the same player he was at UCLA. He had to take a backseat to Kevin Love and Darren Collison during their Final Four run in 2008. He earned minutes by becoming the team’s best defender.

It never translated to the next level. He has long had the physical tools to become a quality NBA defender: his power, length, and freakish athleticism could have allowed him to effectively guard multiple positions. His blinding speed also should theoretically allow him to close out hard on shooters and get several chase-down blocks per season.

Needless to say, that has just not happened in any of his fourteen seasons in the NBA. The physical tools were there all along.

Mentally and emotionally is where the problem lies. You don’t get to the NBA without having pride in your craft. Pride compels you to respond to critics and opponents. Some players like Westbrook let their pride get in the way of doing their job effectively.

This pride makes him channel way too much of his energy on offense. It is nearly impossible to average a triple-double while also being an elite defensive player. One player cannot effectively do the job of five players on the basketball court (or in any line of work).

Excess pride has gone before the fall of Russell Westbrook – and it can be the reason why he saves his NBA career and the Lakers season.

He needs to swallow the right amount of pride and do whatever it takes to stay in the NBA. On this Lakers team, this means playing the best defense in his life.

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