2. Russell Westbrook is playoff Rondo off the bench
Rajon Rondo was known for kicking his game into an entirely new gear once the playoffs arrived and that is exactly what he did yet again for the Lakers in 2020. Rondo became one of the most important players on the entire team as his presence off the bench was a catalyst for the Lakers in many key spots.
The style of play might be slightly different but Russell Westbrook is having a very similar impact on the Lakers since being moved to the bench. Westbrook is not hitting threes at the absurd rate that Rondo was hitting them in 2020 but besides that, the outcomes have been similar.
Westbrook has provided the shot in the arm that the Lakers need when he comes off the bench and he has been able to lead this team in spurts that have (mostly) led to positive play. Giving him a smaller role with fewer minutes but allowing him to be himself in those minutes has really had a positive impact on this team.
Now, Westbrook has to continue playing at this level if the Lakers are going to continue to win. The second that Russ gets back into his old habits of trying to play hero ball or not paying attention on the defensive end is when this is going to crumble for the Lakers.
But as of right now, Westbrook is essentially operating how Rajon Rondo did for the Lakers in 2020, which is exactly what we said here at Lake Show Life should happen before the season.