Although the Los Angeles Lakers surprised many by defeating the Golden State Warriors, 124-116, on Saturday, their many problems haven’t gone away.
Much of the criticism of this year’s Purple and Gold has centered on Russell Westbrook whether it has been for his inconsistent play, for his attitude or for the valuable role players and first-round draft pick the team gave up to get him.
Many have called for the 2017 regular season MVP to be brought off the bench, and according to ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, some of those people are within the Lakers’ organization.
Via ESPN.com:
“There has been an increasing push among many in the Los Angeles Lakers organization to demote nine-time All-Star guard Russell Westbrook from the starting lineup, but so far coach Frank Vogel has resisted bringing him off the bench, sources told ESPN.”
Vogel has admitted that such a change has been discussed with his staff, but nothing is imminent.
The thinking seems to be that playing Westbrook with the team’s non-starters more often, and less often with LeBron James, could result in him being more efficient offensively.
Although Westbrook’s play has been up and down this season, especially since the new year, he has had moments when he has looked like the player the Lakers and their fans thought they were getting last summer.
On Saturday he played a fine game with 20 points on 9-of-17 shooting from the field. He also made some positive plays as the game was being decided, including a baseline drive and pass to Malik Monk that resulted in a 3-pointer to increase L.A.’s lead to five with 3:07 left in the game.
Late in the third quarter and early in the fourth when the Lakers were fighting back from what was once a 14-point deficit, Westbrook made three layups to set the stage for an exciting and inspiring win.
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