The Los Angeles Lakers had high hopes for the “Big 3” they formed in the NBA offseason by pairing LeBron James and Anthony Davis with Russell Westbrook. Through 42 games, the team is sitting with a 21-21 record despite receiving high-level play from James.
One of the common themes from the Lakers’ losses has been the inefficient play of Russell Westbrook. Even when he’s managed to cut his turnovers down, his lack of consistent shooting execution has been staggering.
Since finishing with nine turnovers against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a recent matchup, Westbrook has only turned the ball over four times total over his previous four outings.
Westbrook’s shooting execution has worsened beyond the point of concern at this point. Over the last three games, he is averaging 7.7 points while hooting 20.0% from the field and hasn’t converted on a three-point attempt.
“The word ‘slump’ isn’t something I lean on,” Westbrook said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I stay locked into my craft, figure it out. I’m just in a position to try to figure out the best way to play at the moment. It’s as simple as that.
“I’ll figure it out, and that’s that. … Figure out ways to just make a f—ing shot. That’s it.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Intriguing Trade Packages For Lakers To Deal Russell Westbrook
Some of the misses from Westbrook are staggering with how they are hitting parts of the backboard that are so far away from the rim that it’s almost no chance the ball can come close. That’s not meant to be hyperbolic or to crack a joke. He’s often not even shooting with a normal follow through and instead slinging it at the rim. Other times, he’s shooting with a follow through but it’s far too short or long to even be considered close to being a make.
There isn’t much that can be done with the situation aside from Westbrook somehow adjusting his shooting mechanics and becoming a better jump shooter. That’s far easier said than done when considering inefficient shooting execution has been a persistent problem for Westbrook in his NBA career.
“Just keep working with him,” LeBron James said. “Obviously he’s been putting in work, and you’re going trust the work you put into it so, he’s getting some really good looks, it’s just not going down for him.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Intriguing Trade Packages For Lakers To Deal Russell Westbrook
The Lakers face a situation where it’ll be challenging to reconfigure the roster in meaningful ways. The team depleted their assets in the Anthony Davis trade and Westbrook being signed to a supermax deal and not playing to that level makes a trade quite challenging.
A change in results for the Los Angeles Lakers must come from within. There already has been a show of willingness to get creative with different combinations by doing things like playing LeBron James at center.
