This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers were the center of attention when they brought in Russell Westbrook. Although they gave up players and picks, at the moment it felt like the right decision for the team. Fast forward to right now, the Washington Wizards and the Lakers have had two very different starts to the season.
While the Wizards are currently 4-1, the Lakers are just 2-3. Additionally, the way that the Lakers have lost their three games is worth noticing. Despite being one of the favorites to win it all, they are yet to perform at an elite level.
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On the other hand, the Wizards are performing sensationally and the former Lakers players are at the center of their wins. In an amazing victory against the Atlanta Hawks, the Wizards defeated them with a score of 122-111.
According to the box score of the game, 4 players managed to score the 20 point mark in this victory. One was, of course, Bradley Beal, but the other three players were all former Lakers players.
Kuzma, Harrell, and KCP finished with 21, 25, and 21 points respectively. These numbers are certainly higher than their season averages. As of now, Kuz is averaging 15.2 PPG, Harrell a career-high of 19.2 PPG, and KCP 11.0 PPG. To be completely honest, the new-look Wizards are finally looking like a playoff team for the first time in years.
If they can keep up with this production throughout the season, the Wizards might appear as the dark horses in the Eastern Conference. It is still too early in the season to predict the outcome, but as things stand, Bradley Beal and co. are playing brilliantly.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Russell Westbrook and the Lakers. In their previous matchup, the Lakers blew a 26-point lead and hence were handed a defeat. Lakers legend James Worthy even called it the worst Lakers loss he has ever seen.
In the game, Westbrook was simply awful. He recorded a triple-double with 10 turnovers. Russ also holds the record for most 10 turnover triple-doubles since 1985!
There seems to be a chemistry issue within the purple and gold. If they cannot fix it, it will end up costing them the season. But what can be the solution for it? It’s up to the Lakers coaching staff to figure it out.
