The Los Angeles Lakers are in a tough spot right now. The new season is underway and they are yet to show signs of playing like a super team. Their new signing Russell Westbrook was expected to add a lot of value to the team when he was brought on from the Washington Wizards.
Once he was added to the roster, the purple and gold instantly became a super team as they already had a dynamic duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Even when Russ came to the Lakers there were a few doubts about him. Slowly the worries are starting to turn real.
One of the biggest worries about his game in recent years has been turning the ball over too many times. He did that during the preseason and once again that aspect of Westbrook’s game played a big role in the Lakers’ defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He finished the game with a 10 turnover triple-double.
NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins talked about Russ’ turnovers in a video. He pointed out that even though LeBron James also commits turnovers, there is a huge difference between James’ and Russ’ turnovers.
“I get all the 12 new players and I get all that. But we’re talking about a veteran ball club. We’re not talking about a young team, we’re talking about a veteran. Russell Westbrook has been to the finals. He knows what it takes, I was on that team. LeBron James has 4 championships. So, I mean you think about his turnovers, a lot of turnovers wasn’t his fault. Russell has a lot of unforced turnovers, there’s a difference.”
.@KendrickPerkins says there's a difference between LeBron's and Russell's turnovers 🤔
"Russell has a lot of unforced turnovers, [there's] a difference." pic.twitter.com/eZaMNQ3blm
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 28, 2021
Westbrook’s style of play has always been aggressive. Attacking the rim, making risky passes, etc. This often leads him to turn the ball over more often than not. He has still not adjusted to the Lakers’ playing speed, and this is probably the root of the issue.
He is currently averaging 6.0 turnovers per game! This is simply unacceptable for a player who is supposed to be a superstar. Hopefully, he will fix this issue and the Lakers can get back on track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzvkVMq-nsg
