The Los Angeles Lakers have been a struggling team this year, along with their superstar Russell Westbrook. LA began the season with Westbrook as the starter, but that did not work out for the team. Even in the previous year, Russ was considered a flop signing because of his underdelivered performance. The 34-year-old point guard is one of the most expensive players in the league. And when he does not play well alongside the greats, Lakers fans get upset. The fans were so disappointed with his return that they wanted the franchise to trade Russell Westbrook.
However, the Lakers’ patience worked like a charm, as the best was yet to come from the eight-time All-star. The head coach Darvin Ham talked him into coming on as the sixth man for the Lakers. And when he acclimatized to the role, he looked like a different player on the team. Once he came on and displayed such an electrifying performance that the fans started chanting MVP! MVP! for him. Although Russell Westbrook’s game has many amazing aspects, his shooting needs improving.
Russell Westbrook Finds Himself Among The Worst Shooters In The League
The Lakers’ reserved point guard is amazing regarding his presence on both ends of the court. And he has also been scoring helpful 14.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists every game. But Russell Westbrook’s ability to score from a distance is a matter of concern. However, the Lakers as well are not a good enough team when it comes to shooting 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Westbrook’s stats are so bad that he lies in the bottom ranks for long-range shooting. The reserved point guard throws with 27.5% accuracy outside the 2-point area.
There is no doubt that the 34-year point guard improves the team with his presence on the court. As a matter of fact, the Lakers superstar and sixth man are absolutely crucial for leading the second unit. The sixth-man appearances were so good in the past that the front office held themselves from trading Russell Westbrook.
But the Lakers would benefit more if Russell Westbrook could enhance his shooting abilities. Apart from long-distance shooting, the 2016 NBA finals MVP is also abysmal from the free throw line. To add to the disappointment, Westbrook’s 67.2% accuracy from the free throw line makes him come under five worst free throwers in the league.
On the one hand, Russell Westbrook is one of the worst shooters in the league; on the other, he is a triple-doubles master. There are many shades of his career. Russ has scored over 197 triple-doubles throughout the stretch of his NBA career. Meanwhile, the 34-year-old is doing all these spectacles in a position he has never played.
His adaptability is a pure display of his professionalism and respect for Darvin Ham, who shaped Russell Westbrook to play off the bench. The Lakers fan are clear with the choice of their sixth man of the year. However, his contribution is one of the most underestimated and most sacrificed.
