The Lakers recently added the third superstar in the form of Russel Westbrook to the star-studded tandem of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Now, the questions regarding the fit began to rise once again as the multiple stars were coming together. The Lakers’ 2-3 start to this season gave ammunition to everyone who has a suspicion about their offseason overhaul.
As a result, Sam Amick of The Athletic went on to ask the thoughts of a few NBA executives on Westbrook and the team’s overall fit. One of the executives said that he is interested in looking at this version of the Lakers after 20 games. Whereas the other one thinks Russell would be fine with his breakneck style.
However, one of the executives thinks that the Lakers will struggle all this season, fit-wise. Russell, Davis, and LeBron James will need the ball in their hands to be effective. Also, Russell will not give up on any shots that he wants to take. While another one thinks that it will be better if Westbrook stays as the sixth man. However, at the same time, he also stated that he doesn’t want to waste time thinking that as it wouldn’t happen.
It seems like some of the executives were right, as the Lakers Big 3 will likely struggle to fit. The previous games had already proved it, and there would be more moments like this as well. James and Westbrook will likely think about how to play off each other. Now, it will be interesting to see whether this issue will remain the entire season or team will sort it out sooner.
Both LeBron James and Russell Westbrook are undoubtedly more effective with the ball in their hands. However, Anthony Davis does not need the ball in the same way as they did. Everyone knows Westbrook is not that good of a shooter. So, it seems like the Lakers are experimenting by pairing him up with James. He can also help James in the game by becoming an effective off-ball player.
The anonymous NBA executives said what everyone has been thinking. Some agree with them, and some do not. But everyone does agree that it will be difficult for NBA to fit LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook together.