To say that Russell Westbrook has struggled this season since joining the Los Angeles Lakers would be an understatement. Russ has gone through a massive decline this season, almost every aspect of his game has gone down significantly in terms of statistics, and the only thing that’s increased is the amount of abuse he is getting from fans across the league.
Westbrook spoke out earlier in the month about a lot of the criticism and hate that he has been subjected to, but his performances have done nothing but plummet in recent games. Since the All-Star Break, Westbrook’s showings have somehow gotten worse and dipped below the already poor season averages that he has managed during the campaign. It’s reached the point where even LeBron James is seemingly frustrated with the situation.
In 9 games since the All-Star Break, Westbrook is has managed just 16.4 points per game, to go along with 5.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists. For a player that averaged a triple-double just last season, these numbers are actually very poor. What’s more, Westbrook has taken 22 three-pointers in those 9 games and managed to make just two, shooting a hard-to-believe 9.1% from three-point range.
This slump could be attributed to Westbrook not mentally being in the right place to play at the level he can but it’s extremely alarming for the Lakers as they try to at least have a respectable finish to a disaster of a season. LeBron James’ multiple 50-point games are the only things standing between the Lakers and a 1-9 record in their last 10 games and they continue to get very close to falling out of the top 10 seeds in the West.
Westbrook has averaged 18 points per game this season along with 7.5 boards and 7.1 assists, and if he can’t even match those stats, then things are likely only going to get worse for the point guard. The situation seems to be getting uglier and perhaps a change of scenery in the offseason is more a necessity than an option for him at this point.
