3 keys to the Los Angeles Lakers unlocking Russell Westbrook

3. Don’t let Russell Westbrook take threes

Again, this is part of the problem as Westbrook has shown no interest in buying into anything other than what he wants to do on the basketball court. And in his mind, because he is nearly averaging a triple-double still, Westbrook probably thinks he is the best guy on the floor every night as well as the best shooter.

Westbrook has never been a good three-point shooter but he takes threes at the volume of someone who thinks they are a good three-point shooter. Westbrook attempted 3.4 threes per game last season, shooting 29.8% in those attempts.

It’s not just that Westbrook physically is not a good three-point shooter but the problem is also his shot selection. Westbrook sees what Steph Curry does and tries to raise him like it is a game of horse only to air-ball it more times than not.

There were 169 players in the league who averaged as many threes attempted per game as Westbrook. Westbrook ranked 160 of those 169 in three-point shooting percentage. The only notable player below him was Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is obviously miles better than Westbrook is.

Westbrook’s playing time has to be legitimately threatened for this to work. He is already going to get fewer minutes by this plan and if he is still jacking up bad threes constantly then they have to stick to their guns and slash his minutes.

Yes, he is a pro athlete who shouldn’t have to be punished but he is actively making the team worse by approaching the game the way he does. If he is not going to buy in then find someone who will.