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With the 2021 NBA free agency yet to commence, the LA Lakers have already made a deal that automatically puts them as top contenders to win next season's championship. The Lakers were in the market for an elite point guard, and have gotten one in Russell Westbrook.
Although rumors circulated about the LA Lakers' interest in Russ, no one thought he would land up at the Lakers so soon. Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and the no. 22 pick (Isaiah Jackson) were all part of the trade package that was dealt to the Washington Wizards for Westbrook.
The acquisition of Russell Westbrook has created a formidable big 3, as he will play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The LA Lakers have gone all-in to acquire a star for the second time in three years. The first time they did it, they won the NBA championship.
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The LA Lakers fans were utterly disappointed in their team's first-round exit and needed the franchise to boost their chances of competing for the title in the 2021-22 season.
Rob Pelinka has shown his commitment to bring another championship to Los Angeles, and has done so with the acquisition of Mr Triple Double himself. The deal will be official on August 6, when teams will be allowed to complete signings, and Kuzma's three-year contract extension kicks in.
On that note, let's explore three ways Russell Westbrook could boost the LA Lakers' title hopes in the 2021-22 NBA season.
#1 Russell Westbrook could be the LA Lakers' third scoring option
The LA Lakers have not had a consistent third scorer for a while, which is why they crashed out in the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs. James was not 100%, as he was still nursing an ankle injury. Nevertheless, he was the top scorer in the team, with AD and Dennis Schroder the other players who averaged double-digits in points.
Although Russ is not a great 3-point shooter, as he has never shot above 35% from the perimeter, he makes up for that with how he attacks the rim. With James nearing the end of his illustrious career, it is only wise the LA Lakers surround him with players that can get buckets.
Westbrook comes with intensity on a nightly basis and could carry the scoring load if either LeBron James or AD have a bad night. His inclusion will cause many changes to the LA Lakers' roster, one of which will be AD playing more minutes as a center.
Russ likes to drive to the basket, and with AD as the center, the LA Lakers will have incredible floor spacing to give Brodie room to drive through the lane. While the Lakers' restructuring is by no means done, Russ is an impeccable acquisition towards competing for another championship.
#2 Playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis may not reduce Russell Westbrook's production
The key problem the LA Lakers had with Dennis Schroder was his inability to impact the game when LeBron James and Anthony Davis were on the court. Schroder led the charge when both players were out injured and became the focal point of the Lakers' offense.
Westbrook joined the Washington Wizards and played alongside Bradley Beal, who is considered a scoring machine. Despite his points average dropping from the 2019-20 season, Russ had another triple-double season, and was the second-best scorer with 22.2 points per game behind Beal.
The LA Lakers need someone who produces in a situation when AD and LeBron James are unavailable, which makes Westbrook a perfect fit in the team. It was a major setback in the 2021 NBA playoffs, as the Lakers struggled to get points on the board in the absence of Davis and an injured 36-year-old James.
As much as many call Brodie selfish, he remains one of the best passers in the league. He led the NBA in assists (11.7 per game) during the 2020-21 season. With Russ teaming up with another elite passer in LBJ, the LA Lakers might end the 2021-22 season ranked No.1 in offensive rating and points per game.
#3 Russell Westbrook could fit into the LA Lakers' defensive identity
Russell Westbrook is not anywhere close to being a great defender, but he can be one when he wants to. His athleticism, length and strength are all tools that, if properly utilized, could make him a great fit in the LA Lakers' defensive structure.
Westbrook can guard all positions except the center. Unfortunately, he gets caught ball-watching on occasion, and leaves his man early to grab rebounds.
In a team like the LA Lakers, where every man is expected to play defense at a certain level, Westbrook could get more involved. With the caliber of players in the roster of the LA Lakers', Brodie will also be held more accountable.
Although it is still early days in the 2021 NBA off-season, the LA Lakers still have most of the players (like Alex Caruso) that helped them be the no. 1 team in defensive rating during the 2020-21 season. In that regard, Russell Westbrook's intensity makes him a plus at both ends of the court, something the LA Lakers could benefit from next season.
