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#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.
Guess the Lakers players!
