All indications point to the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the season with Russell Westbrook as their starting point guard. While the Lakers have put themselves in a position to quickly move on from Westbrook, the team will attempt to make it work yet again this season.
There is no question it was a complete disaster last season just as there is no question that if LeBron James makes it work with Westbrook it would be his greatest title. Twenty years into this league winning a title with a player who couldn’t win with Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, or James Harden (at his peak) speaks to how hard Westbrook’s play style is to adjust to.
LeBron has to find a way for Westbrook to do something he has been unwilling to do thus far in his career. Change his play style hustle on defense and show a willingness to move and play off the ball cutting to the rim and using his athleticism to create shot opportunities.
If he can do that the Lakers are going to keep him in the lineup and stay in contention this season. If the Lakers can return to the Finals and win with Westbrook playing a contributing role for this team there is an argument to be made that it is LeBron’s greatest accomplishment and clearly pushes him ahead in the GOAT debate.
Here are three reasons why.
1. The degree of difficulty for the Lakers
Let’s be clear; this cannot simply be a “count the rings” discussion that Jordan fans are so quick to make in a LeBron vs. Jordan discussion. If we are simply counting rings to determine the GOAT neither Jordan nor LeBron are close to qualified.
It is about the complete picture of titles, stats, leadership, longevity, and an ability to make things work when conditions aren’t ideal. While Jordan will still have six rings to LeBron’s five, winning a ring with Westbrook after spending twenty years in the league is far more impressive than any of Jordan’s titles.
No one has been able to win in the playoffs with Westbrook since a young James Harden and MVP-level Durant were paired with Westbrook in OKC. Since that time Westbrook’s playoff exits have been quick regardless of how talented his teammate might be.
Winning a title with a player no one has been able to win with in his career is far too impressive an accomplishment to ignore. It would have an argument as being more impressive than LeBron’s 3-1 comeback against the Warriors with the Cavs. No question it drastically changes the GOAT discussion in LeBron’s favor.