Over the last season or so, Russell Westbrook has been targeted a lot by fans and the media. It was obviously due to the former NBA MVP failing to live up to the expectations after being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. As a result, most wanted the Lakers to trade Russ this offseason.
Well, the Purple and Gold failed to find an adequate offer for him and decided to keep him on the roster to start the season. After struggling for a couple of games, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham decided to bring Brodie off the bench. That decision by Ham did wonders for Westbrook’s confidence.
Westbrook has played three games coming off the bench and has helped the Lakers win two of them. The Lakers now have a record of 2-5 and will hope to continue this form in the coming games.
Russell Westbrook Gets Praised
In the close win against the New Orleans Pelicans, Westbrook recorded 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists while playing 25 minutes. Following this tremendous effort, Darvin Ham wants Westbrook to aim to win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
This is the third straight game where Russ has led the second unit of the Lakers. Upon seeing Westbrook’s confidence return, fans were extremely happy to see it.
Russell Westbrook in 3 games off the bench:
18 Points, 8 Rebounds, 3 Assists
18 Points, 8 Rebounds, 8 Assists
13 Points, 7 Rebounds, 9 Assists
6th Man Russ. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/XIr3CrNUbO
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 3, 2022
It seems like Russ has finally found the perfect role for himself with the Lakers. Here’s how NBA fans around the globe reacted to Westbrook’s current form:
https://twitter.com/cbanksburner/status/1588034477502377984
They don’t want Russ to shine in the clutch smh
— Russell Westbrook Stan (@WhyNotBr0die2) November 3, 2022
https://twitter.com/aimbotjoe/status/1588034776472195073
Crazy he getting praised now for the same stats he averaged last year 18/7/7. Why is he tolerable to y’all now ? Russ been a dawg his whole career including last year. Shout out to that man for embracing this new role. Stop tearing him down !
— Tiras (@javan0128) November 3, 2022
Should’ve been a triple double but got benched 🤦🏽♂️
— JT (@JTsMVP) November 3, 2022
Was on pace of getting a Triple but that got shot down. Right when he was starting to look interested again. The coach took his soul again not playing him in the last 8 mins.
— _riichinspirit (@Riichinspirit) November 3, 2022
6th man Westbrook pic.twitter.com/T2BPlxVgPF
— Kung_Fu_Luffy (@CoCoMamba1996) November 3, 2022
https://twitter.com/lukatroncic4/status/1588034356563648512
I’ve been talking shit bout Russ for years but if he averages close to a trip dub AND plays well off the bench I’ll take back everything I said.
— Fire Joe Mazulla (@UnbiasSp0rts) November 3, 2022
— Mc (@MightnotbeMc) November 3, 2022
While fans were happy to see Russ having great games, they still believe that Russ can do better if Ham actually plays him in the clutch. Even against the Pelicans, Westbrook was benched for most of the second half. Had he been on the court, he would have for sure recorded another triple-double.
But at the end of the day, the Lakers won the game. Coach Ham must be working on a new strategy to incorporate Russ into the team’s current system. Hopefully, we will see more of the same from Westbrook as the season progresses and the Lakers shift gears to make a return to the postseason.
