Questions and concerns emerged as soon as the Los Angeles Lakers pulled the trigger on a trade for Russell Westbrook.
The Lakers desperately needed a reliable third option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and Dennis Schroder couldn’t fulfill that role in his lone season with the team.
Westbrook is making over $40 million this season, so the Lakers made a huge investment by acquiring him. However, as expected, the results have been mixed.
He lifted the Lakers to a road win over the San Antonio Spurs, but he has regressed in recent games with his shot efficiency and overall production. He shot 1-of-14 against the Portland Trail Blazers and was non-existent in that loss.
After the game, Carmelo Anthony explained in his eyes how Westbrook has adjusted to his fourth team in four years.
“We’ve seen him in some games that we’ve had at home, we’ve seen him fit right in. We’ve seen him lead the charge, we’ve seen him do what he do where he’s in attack mode. And we’ve seen nights where he hasn’t been that,” Anthony said. “Throughout his whole career, he’s always figured it out. He’s always figured out how to make adjustments, what he has to do personally, physically, mentally.”
Anthony continued about how the Lakers can support Westbrook’s transition.
“We can’t control (his adjustments). That’s something he controls and only he knows what he has to do,” Anthony said. “We’ve got to be there just to support him.”
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