3 Things the Lakers must do if Russell Westbrook stays on the roster

2. Russell Westbrook must move without the ball in his hands

Last season at times it appeared Westbrook was pouting when he was on the bench or when James took over as the point guard. He didn’t say the right things to the media or make the right changes when his game obviously wasn’t working with the Lakers. This season Westbrook must be willing to consistently move without the ball in his hands.

He is still an elite athlete who is going to at the very least open up shots for others by moving and making the defense scramble. This same approach must be taken on the defensive end as well. He has to stop playing as if he believes he is the Lakers’ best player and plays an effort and hustle role setting the tone for the rest of the team.

Whether or not he is capable of adjusting and taking this role is arguable. While he is still athletic enough to contribute to the team in this way why wouldn’t he have made this adjustment last season?

For a full season, Westbrook watched the tape and knew what he was doing wasn’t working and refused to adjust.  This season has to be an ultimatum for Westbrook and the Lakers if he is on the roster to start the season.