Derek Fisher hasn’t been the one to mince words, and he didn’t hold back on throwing some shade on former Laker, Russell Westbrook, when he explained the impact of the team’s new acquisitions, D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley’s impact on the side.
Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team trade that saw the Lakers land former guard Russell, along with two new faces in Beasley and Jared Vanderbilt.
The new-look Lakers showcased their ability when they trounced the New Orleans Pelicans 120-102 and Fisher had his take on how the new additions bolster the Lakers who are gunning for a playoff berth.
He shed light on Russell’s improved playmaking abilities, while also sharing his two cents on Beasley’s ability to knock down shots when needed. Per Spectrum SportsNet:
.@derekfisher breaks down D'Angelo Russell & Malik Beasley's impact on the team so far.@MorongoCasino | #GoodTimes pic.twitter.com/A8CDbX94FF
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 16, 2023
“For the new additions, they are comfortable offensive players. So when you put them next to superstars like LeBron and AD, they’re not going to stand in the corner and wait for the ball. They know how to find space and good offensive scoring opportunities.”
There’s no doubt that Fisher subtly took a shot at Westbrook’s erratic shooting and expensive turnovers, though he did show glimpses of some improvements this season.
The Lakers are not out of the woods yet. The win against the Pelicans still doesn’t get them anywhere closer to the .500 mark — something they have failed to achieve throughout their ongoing season. However, with the addition of some much-needed shooting, they do have the firepower to make the playoffs.
LeBron James Happy With The Lakers’ Acquisitions
Reinforcements that were roped in to help LeBron James and Anthony Davis have received the duo’s seal of approval.
According to ESPN, the 38-year-old was pleased with the additions and even took the time out to briefly explain what the new faces bought to the team. He labeled Russell as a “crafty” point guard, while also lauding Beasley and Vanderbilt.
“Obviously, we got a laser in Malik that we just never had this season,” James said. “A guy, whenever he’s on the floor, no matter if he’s making it or not, you have to respect him because of his ability to shoot the ball. He has kind of that JR Smith feeling to him that he can miss 10 in a row and he can make 10 in a row right after that.”
He also called Vanderbilt a “swiss army knife” saying:
Vando is a Swiss Army knife,” James said. “He can do a little bit of everything. His defensive ability, his offensive rebounding ability you saw tonight.”
For now, the Lakers had a win that provided promise, but they still have work to do. Only time will tell if this unit has what it takes to make the postseason.
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