The now Los Angeles Lakers and what they were when the season started are a complete contrast to each other. They had no balance on the roster and were filled with injury issues. Moreover, the purple and gold brigade did not look like winning the championship anytime soon. The Lakers were not looking like they are going to make the postseason even for two years in a row. They started with a 2-10 win-loss ratio. Initially, the idea of the front office was to try the trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook to proceed further in the season. But the team did not look like going to the next stage.
The Lakers first traded Westbrook to the Jazz, and later Russell signed with the Clippers. After signing with the Clippers, Westbrook felt much less pressure to be part of a team. Albeit his scoring has not improved at all, Russell is doing the job for his team in other aspects. He is making up for not scoring as he is contributing with rebounds, assists, and steals. But as it turns out, the Lakers faithful highlighted too much of his lack of scoring.
Charles Barkley Defends Russell Westbrook
After the Clippers beat the Suns in their opening game of the series in playoffs round 1, Russell pointed out that “I’m enjoying my time with a team that does not always highlight on my scoring but instead appreciates the efforts I put in.” Clearly, Brodie is pointing fingers at the city rivals of his current team, the Lakers. The member of the American Dream team, Charles Barkley, agrees with Brodie that the Lakers always blamed Westbrook for everything. Barkley says that the Lakers were a crap team before they traded Brodie, but it was not just his fault.
Charles Barkley added, “I love Brodie because the guy always gives great effort.” Hence, it is not right to blame Russell for the Lakers’ horrible situation in the pre-February trades era. The Clippers are doing great with Westbrook, and he was even instrumental in beating the Suns during the series opener. Russell Westbrook scored 9 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. But the stats show that his scoring has not improved a lot. Then why was he not as instrumental with the city rivals? Barkley and Brodie agree that too much focus on scoring ruined his time with the Lakers.
The Lakers Are Much Better Without Brodie
At the time, Westbrook was becoming a burden to the front office of the Lakers and the roster. His inclusion in the lineup was primarily due to his name and fame. That was not helping anybody, neither the team nor Westbrook. It was necessary to let him go and bring in some crucial changes.
The LA side managed to do that in February and got a much-needed balance. Finally, the Lakers are through to the playoffs. They have won the first game of the series against the Grizzlies in round 1. It is looking good for the purple and gold brigade.