Russell Westbrook has been having a quite poor season to this point, the former MVP has hit a new low in recent times, getting benched in the clutch by coach Frank Vogel. His inefficient shooting and turnovers have caught up with him as Lakers fans continue to call for a trade that would send Westbrook to another team. However, Westbrook has seemed confident in himself, even consoling LeBron James and Anthony Davis during Tuesday’s blowout loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Many have speculated that Westbrook’s poor performances this season are a sign of his declining ability and that the point guard should accept that he is no longer the player that he once was. While this may not be something that works for Westbrook, NBA legend Dwyane Wade has given him some advice on how he can make the most of his talents with the Lakers.
https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1491246607756496898
“Well, I think you look at the Lakers and everyone always talk about what they need to do, trade deadline and all that, listen you have Russell Westbrook and he has a lot to still give to this team, but when you talk about making a business decision, none of us want to give the ball up or take less shots when we’re used to being able to have the ball or shoot any shots you want.”
“But sometimes when you become a part of a team, like this team you have LeBron, you have AD, you have to pick your spots and so Russ, I think with this team is they go down to the second half, it is understanding when Bron and AD is not on the floor, that’s when I can be Russ.”
“But like you a big guard, you could post up guys, transition and not too many people can stop. So you kind of gotta take a little bit of the gas when you play with certain guys, and when these guys are out, when AD go to the bench, when LeBron go to the bench, now it’s time for me to get back to Russell Westbrook.”
Russell Westbrook has seen his minutes go down in the last two games, he has played less than 30 minutes against the Knicks as well as the Bucks. Dwyane Wade’s advice comes not just from a place of respect for Westbrook but also from knowing what it takes to play and win alongside LeBron James and a skilled big man. It remains to be seen if the Lakers will be able to figure this out during the season, but LeBron certainly doesn’t seem to think his team are on a championship-winning level.
