The Los Angeles Lakers look better ambitious and set to qualify for the postseason this year. In the game against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, the team’s fighting spirit came to life. However, the big names of the Lakers took the sidelines due to some reason, or other Russell Westbrook and LA’s outcasts suited up for the occasion. The lack of players made the Lakers start with the young Max Christie. Nonetheless, the Lakers depicted great character.
Los Angeles was without their most informed player LeBron James because of his sore ankles. Recently, James’ spectacles even made him the player of the week with Donovan Mitchell. In the absence of Anthony Davis, LeBron has done a remarkable job leading consecutive wins. But the Lakers still do not have the backup they need. The front office should consider times when all their big guns are on the sidelines. Although the team displayed great resilience against the Nuggets, they were pathetic in converting the chances. However, point guard Russell Westbrook has other thoughts about his team.
Russell Believes In His Team And His Locker Room
The Lakers have a player who is willing to give everything for his team on the court. Russell Westbrook’s faith in the team and his court efforts are immovable. At the end of the game, Russ said, “I got a lot of faith in everybody in this locker room regardless of who’s in or out”. The Reserve point guard believes they could win regardless of who is against them. However, the attitude is not enough for the team to bring laurels, trophies, and wins on a tough night. The Nuggets were a tough nut to crack as they sit at the top of the Western Conference.
Overall the Lakers performed well, but Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray ran the show. Meanwhile, the Lakers countered with Thomas Bryant, who scored 10 points with ten rebounds making it a double-double on the night. And despite a fracture in his right pinky finger Russell Westbrook scored 25 points while playing 31 minutes. The 34-year-old broke his finger in the first quarter and readjusted it twice on his own. After the game, the Lakers medical staff took an X-ray of his finger to make sure everything was alright. Fortunately, the results were negative.
Fans Want Russell Westbrook To Be The Sixth Man Of The Year Award
Everyone is aware of the Russell Westbrook zero-to-hero story in the NBA 2022. His last year’s flop season made him likely to cut loose from the Purple and Gold. However, since head coach Darvin Ham took charge of the Lakers team, things have been different for the point guard. The eight-time All-star has a great relationship with Ham, and he told Russ to come on as the sixth man.
At first, the 2016 champ faced many problems but soon adapted to how his coach wanted him to play. Russell Westbrook even injured himself in the process. But as soon as he adapted to the position, he soon became the fan favorite to win the sixth man of the year award. His performances have been solid, producing 14.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in every game. But the experts believe he will not likely receive the sixth man of the year award.