As the Los Angeles Lakers near the start of training camp, it’s looking more and more likely that Russell Westbrook will be on the opening night roster.
In the midst of a rumor-filled offseason, where Westbrook was the center of trade talks to the Brooklyn Nets, the Indiana Pacers and even the Utah Jazz — coupled with the team bringing in Patrick Beverley and Dennis Schroder for a second stint — they’re left with no choice and they’re going to have to make it work with Westbrook.
Westbrook did not work for the team last season, but that could change with a changed approach during the 2022-23 season. And I have some ideas:
Russell Westbrook should embrace a sixth-man role and aim to conquer the Sixth Man of the Year Award.
New Lakers head coach Darvin Ham has been vocal about having specific roles for Russell Westbrook on this team but hasn’t specified what those roles could look like. If it were up to me, I’d start off by saying LET RUSS COOK!
I would not pencil Russ into the starting lineup; in fact, in order to “let Russ cook,” Westbrook would best fit running the second unit with former running mate, Dennis Schroder, who can provide the necessary spacing with his 34.4% shooting from downtown.
Playing Westbrook with LeBron James and Anthony Davis hasn’t worked, and quite frankly, it’s just not an ideal fit as Westbrook struggles shooting the ball from the outside. Newly acquired Patrick Beverley is a better fit to run with James, Davis, and co.
Westbrook — getting to orchestrate the second team with Schroder and a combination of Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damian Jones and Thomas Bryant — would enter a similar mix as he was in during his final years with the Thunder when he averaged a triple-double.
Westbrook is the best player of that unit; he gets to come in and play freely again, something that I don’t believe is particularly possible while sharing the court with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
3 Jazz players on the chopping block the Lakers could sign
The Los Angeles Lakers may not make a trade with the Utah Jazz but they could sign one of these players who are on the chopping block.
If Westbrook is to stick it out one more year with the Lake Show, being the sixth man of this team may give him and the team its best chance at a successful season.
Let Russ cook!