Russell Westbrook’s first yr with the LA Lakers led to heavy criticism. The Lakers’ 2021-22 NBA season was full of chemistry points, accidents and fixed lineup modifications, however a lot of the blame received placed on Westbrook.
Statistically, Westbrook had one in every of his worst years. His lack of ability to be counted on from the skin when wanted left an enormous gap within the offense. Moreover, followers and the media continually identified how he triggered a ton of turnovers regardless that he averaged lower than when he was with the Washington Wizards.
There are some who consider Westbrook should not be blamed for a lot of the Lakers’ struggles. Former All-Star Stephon Marbury shared his tackle why Westbrook should not be at fault for his or her lackluster season:
“There’s different elements of why they misplaced. Russ performs the best way he performs, and he is determining methods to play with someone who’s ball dominant in LeBron (James) as properly. The most effective participant is meant to make the adjustment. … I’ve seen him one time, like, yeah, as a participant, you are attempting to win.
“You are attempting to do what is required to win, and also you’re being criticized … however he nonetheless goes out and he do it.”
Marbury stated that it’s tough for Westbrook to adapt a brand new position as a result of he is not accustomed to it. Normally, the two-time All-Star sport MVP wants the ball in his arms to be efficient in an offense.
Exterior taking pictures is what Russell Westbrook must work on earlier than the season begins
Usually left large open or not closely contested from the skin, Russell Westbrook’s outdoors sport was an enormous gap within the Lakers offense.
The 6-foot-3 athletic guard wasn’t recognized to be a risk from the skin even earlier than arriving in Los Angeles.
From the 2008-09 to 2020-21 seasons, Westbrook hovered round 30% from the 3-point arc. He is largely efficient on the open court docket throughout fastbreaks. His velocity mixed together with his unworldly athleticism is what made him into an All-NBA expertise. Nevertheless, that appears to be an obstacle now that he is nearly in his mid-30s.
At this level, defenses have realized to protect Westbrook within the halfcourt. The protection often offers him a lot area within the 3-point space, daring him to shoot. Westbrook, in fact, would not often take them as he is not assured in his outdoors pictures. However at this level, Westbrook ought to tackle the duty of engaged on a constant outdoors shot.
He is been within the league for 14 seasons and nonetheless would not have a weapon he can use when left open from three. In fact, he can often knock them down, nonetheless, it is at a low share (30.5% in his profession).
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Westbrook remains to be an unbelievable expertise, and lots of followers wish to see him succeed. Marbury may very well be proper in not placing all of the blame on Westbrook, however he ought to at the very least work on one thing to show that time.
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