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The 3 common factors of every Los Angeles Lakers win

By Jason Reed

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 19: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 19, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 19: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 19, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Russell Westbrook has to play well

The Russell Westbrook experience has not been great for the Los Angeles Lakers and the worst part about it is that the team needs him to play well to win basketball games. Unfortunately, there is not much talent on the roster (because of the Westbrook trade) so the Lakers cannot hide him in the rotation and win with other guys.

There is a reason why Frank Vogel reportedly pushed back on pressure from the front office to bench Russell Westbrook down the stretch. It has become clear in this recent road trip that the only way the Lakers win is if Westbrook plays well, and as we know, that is not the most stable expectation.

Westbrook was the entire reason why the Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors as he had his best moment of the season, stealing the ball and hitting the game-tying three at the end of regulation in heroic fashion. Overall, Westbrook scored 22 points with 10 rebounds, 10 assists and hit five of seven three-pointers.

Westbrook played well against the Cleveland Cavaliers as well. He shot 50% from the field and only turned the ball over once. He may have only scored 20 points, but him hitting shots and not giving the basketball away is him playing well.

Laker fans should not feel fantastic about the reliance on Russ considering he is not someone who is known to show up in big moments in the playoffs but that is where we are with the Lakers.

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