By Pieter van Tol, PSO Director of Research & Development
Nov 04, 2021



The Los Angeles Lakers gave up yet another 19+ point lead on Thursday against a resilient Oklahoma City Thunder team led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. At the center of the Lakers’ collapse stood Russell Westbrook, as he wasted Los Angeles’ final two possessions with a turnover and heavily contested three pointer. As this undoubtedly talented Lakers roster continues to search for their identity, Russell Westbrook’s role on the team, specifically in clutch time, will likely be under heavy scrutiny in the coming weeks.

  • Russ has taken the most tie/go-ahead 3PA (42) in the final MIN since 2016-17, making only 19% of them (8-42)
  • Westbrook is 1-3 FG (33%) with 3 TOV during 1-possession games in the final MIN this season
  • Russell was 8-24 FG (33%) with 3 TOV during 1-possession games in the final MIN during 2020-21
 
Odds vs. OKC: LAL -600 (Spread -10.5)

LAKERS BEST CHANCE OF WINNING IS WITHOUT RUSSELL WESTBROOK IN CLOSING LINEUPS

COLORS KEY | FULL LAKERS OUTLOOK 

Russell Westbrook has undoubtedly been one of the most polarizing figures in the NBA for the last decade and, naturally, this has not changed since his move to the Los Angeles Lakers in the offseason. With the Lakers getting off to a somewhat rocky 5-4 start, including two devastating losses to the OKC Thunder, Russell Westbrook has become a target for many Lakers fans. His turnovers and somewhat bad shot selection have been at the center of their late-game collapses. 

Westbrook has struggled from behind the arc in clutch time for years and, given the nature of today’s NBA, this begs the question of whether the Lakers may not be better off without Westbrook in closing lineups. Russell does have a reputation of being a great hustle player, however, this has likely contributed to his energy being drained by the end of games, leading to fatigue possibly playing a factor in poor late-game performance.

With a number of players, like Malik Monk, who can space the floor and come up with a clutch play, or Rajon Rondo, who brings championship experience, Russ may fall out of favor in some late-game scenarios. Nevertheless, one must acknowledge that Westbrook is a generational talent, former MVP and game-changing player that any team would be lucky to have. Ultimately, the decision rests with the Lakers coaching staff, however, if the Lakers continue to drop games in clutch time, their hand may be forced.

SGA from the logo no problem

 

Westbrook choked at the end

 

Shai led OKC’s comeback

 

 

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