Will Russell Westbrook’s poor form cost him a trade away from the Lakers?
Russell Westbrook has had a disappointing season to say the least with the Los Angeles Lakers. What seemed like a title-winning signing has slowly turned into one of the biggest disappointments of the NBA season.
The Lakers backroom decided to sign Russell Westbrook – another dominant ball-handler to aid LeBron James. The move has been a disaster, as the Lakers struggle to make the NBA Playoffs this year. The question is will Westbrook be traded ahead of the Feb. 10 trade deadline.
Russell Westbrook Stats
Westbrook averages 18.4 points while shooting 43.7% from the field and 30% from 3-point range along with 7.8 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 4.1 turnovers per game. This is a remarkable decline for him, knowing he has conjured up triple doubles at will. His last few years have not gone as planned.
After announcing his name as one of the best in the league with OKC, he came close to winning his first NBA ring with the franchise. However, the dream was snatched away by none other than his current teammate LeBron James.
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka aimed to have an experienced squad filled with All-Stars that could challenge the very best this season. However, Carmelo Anthony has been a bright spark with his improved efficiency from the 3 point line. The rest have failed.
Laker fans are booing Russell Westbrook after this awful miss
Laker fans are booing Russell Westbrook after this awful miss 😳 https://t.co/yOrAtlB5EA
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 6, 2022
Westbrook who has been with the Rockets and Wizards in the last two years, has failed to find his feet in Los Angeles. An important factor for his decision was to stay closer to his family. But, despite the storyline, he may very well have to make another move in the NBA.
Westbrook is the only player in NBA history to record at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists sixteen times in a single season. These stats do highlight what is possible from the veteran. The question remains if he will get himself back together and be able to gel with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Russell Westbrook spoke after being benched in OT vs. the Knicks: pic.twitter.com/W0bb9zi9MR
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 6, 2022
The Lakers have a lot of work ahead of the NBA Playoffs this season. They are currently outside the automatic qualifying berth. Coach Frank Vogel’s decisions have also cost the team, even benching Westbrook during the final minutes of a game vs the Knicks. We hope that Westbrook makes his way back into the Lakers’ fans hearts and wins his first NBA title in his career.