The Los Angeles Lakers are trying their best to keep their ship from sinking before the playoffs this year. However, they are not able to do it consistently over a long period of time. And following the bad start to the season LA could not even afford to slip up from here. But Hollywood dresses up to get ready for the game without their best players on the roster. Apparently, one of the most awaited players who hold the capability to change the game is Anthony Davis. But he is recovering from a stress injury on his right foot.
In the meantime, the Lakers are held by their two superstars LeBron James and Russell Westbrook. A point guard who is always involved in controversy due to his bad performances. And a 38-year-old who is about to make a historic record consistently scoring and keeping the team floating. Interestingly the Lakers perform much better when the superstar duo plays together. But LA somehow still ranks in the bottom teams of the league. According to recent NBA stats, Hollywood’s attack toward the rim ascends when Westbrook and James are on the court at the same time.
Lakers Are Better With Russell Westbrook On The Court
There have been many debates regarding what misfit the reserved point guard is alongside Davis and James. And following his setbacks last year the nine-time All-star was a goner before the season started. However, the new head coach Darvin Ham who knew Westbrook from his younger had different ideas for his electric energy. Ham wanted to utilize his stamina and speed off the bench. And this did wonders for the team as Russ started performing much better but the fans still had doubts about his worth to the team.
According to cleaning the glass via Sean Keane, the Lakers take 46 percent of their at the rim when James and Westbrook tag along. Their stat is much more than the average shots at the rim of other teams in the league. It makes sense as Hollywood has been a weaker team from a long range. When the season began they had a losing streak because of their pathetic 3-point shooting. Even the greatest player LeBron James does not possess a good hand at throwing the ball from range. But Westbrook helps him reach closer to the rim to make lethal attacks on the opponents up close.
As the trade deadline is approaching the Lakers are getting their hands on the players who could help the team reach the postseason. And the front office is in conversation with Washington Wizards to land Rui Hachimura. Meanwhile, the fans are bashing LA for their ignorance toward the roster saying one trade won’t make the cut. Rumors also suggest that there are parallel conversations about bringing Jakob Poeltl from the San Antonio Spurs. However, this would cost them their sixth man of the year contender Russell Westbrook.
