The Los Angeles Lakers are finally in the win column, Anthony Davis is pushing through an apparent back injury, their three-point shooting nightmare, at least for the time being, came to a halt, but most importantly — Russell Westbrook looks like he’s having fun again.
A month ago, right before training camp ended, I wrote an article about how Russell Westbrook and the Lakers can make the most of their relationship this coming season, suggesting Westbrook coming off the bench can provide them the best chance at winning.
It took coach Darvin Ham all but four games to launch the Westbrook as the sixth man experience.
In my article calling for this move, I elaborated on the why; Westbrook being able to play more freely sans LeBron James and Anthony Davis and Westbrook having the ball in his hands to operate as he did in his dominant years. Essentially, letting Russ be Russ.
Russell Westbrook has thrived off the Los Angeles Lakers bench thus far.
In the two games since coming off the bench, Westbrook is averaging 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. He is shooting 41.4% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc.
But what has provided this transition hope isn’t Westbrook simply being out of the starting lineup, it’s his new approach to making it work with his attitude of acceptance to coach Ham’s vision. Westbrook is still playing heavy minutes but with a different groove, he is providing energy and confidence to Austin Reaves, Lonnie Walker IV, Matt Ryan, and the other guys on the floor.
These lineups, in which Westbrook is the clear-cut best player on the floor, are what’s going to help the Lakers compete throughout the season without a big drop in their second unit.
And by the time LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rest of the starters come back on the floor, Westbrook, if still in the game, is riding high confidence and his infectious energy keeps everyone engaged and energized.
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Yes, it’s a small sample size in two games, but if what we’ve seen from Westbrook sustains, it wouldn’t at all be surprising to see him challenge Golden State’s Jordan Poole for the Sixth Man of the Year award this season.