Lakers Best Chance of Winning is Without Russell Westbrook in Closing Lineups

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

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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.