Skip Bayless believes the Los Angeles Lakers are 30% better without explosive point guard Russell Westbrook and added for good measure that the new-look side could face off against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals.
The analyst’s comments come on the back of the Lakers’ dominant 124-111 win against the Golden State Warriors. LA was propelled across the finish line on the back of a dominant performance from Malik Beasley who ended his evening with 25 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist.
The Lakers are 30% better without Westbrook and with all the new additions. They’ll go 17-6 in their final 23 and will rise above the play-in. I wouldn’t be surprised if they played Phoenix in the West finals.
The Lakers are 30% better without Westbrook and with all the new additions. They'll go 17-6 in their final 23 and will rise above the play-in. I wouldn't be surprised if they played Phoenix in the West finals.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 24, 2023
Westbrook had a tumultuous time with the Lakers, and while he did have his share of notable performances, the glaring flaws far outweighed what he bought to the table. His inconsistent shooting and defense were highlighted as was his poor fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. It would be one of the reasons why Bayless opined that LA was better without the 34-year-old who is now a Clipper.
The Lakers have just over 20 games left in the regular season, and after Darvin Ham stated his intent to secure a spot rather than wish for a play-in, the team has started off their final stretch on the right note with the win. Bayless’ projection of 17-6 might not be a stretch to imagine.
Darvin Ham Sheds Light On Load Management In The Lakers Final Stretch
Lakers head coach Ham was clear in the team’s strategy as far as load management was concerned. Prior to the clash against Golden State, he said the idea was for all fit players to take the floor every game.
Per The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, Ham said players would not sit out of games unless they were dealing with injuries.
Darvin Ham said he expects every Lakers player to play the rest of the way — including back-to-backs — and not sit out games unless they are injured.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 24, 2023
Darvin Ham said he expects every Lakers player to play the rest of the way — including back-to-backs — and not sit out games unless they are injured.
The Lakers will need to bag as many wins as they can in order to make the postseason. They ended 33-49 last year and failed to make the postseason, but their current record (28-32) suggests that they will out best last year’s woeful run.
The team has a compact schedule next week, and they will face the formidable Dallas Mavericks next. Only time will tell if Bayless’ predictions come true and if the Lakers can extend their good run.
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