For the first time ofthen his arrival at the Lakers, Russell Westbrook had to come off the bench this Friday, a change expected by many fans. Rather good in this new role, the leader received compliments from a visibly very annoyed LeBron James.
deprived ofAnthony Davis, hit in the back, the Lakers once again lost this Friday. It’s the 5th consecutive time at the start of the season, and the bad series could continue for a while… The last executioner of the Angelinos is called Minnesota, which was able to count on a great Rudy Gobert. Purple and Gold side, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook did their best.
Westbrook to LeBron pic.twitter.com/DJJcxcnW4U
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 29, 2022
LeBron James satisfied by Russell Westbrook
The first finished the game with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, the second with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists, rather encouraging figures for his first in the role of substitute. In a press conference, the King was necessarily asked about his impressions of the new 6th man on the team, and he was rather complimentary, if not talkative.
Reporter: “What did you see out of Russ today? »
LeBron James: “He was great. He was great all game. »
Westbrook off the bench:
18 dots
8 rebounds
3 assists
5 turnovers6-of-17 FG
5-of-10 FT32 minutes#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/LScBPHTZ9T
— 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣’ 𝙉𝘽𝘼 (@_Talkin_NBA) October 29, 2022
Russ was excellent. He propelled us. He was great the whole game.
If the compliment is undoubtedly sincere, the tone used by LeBron James and his bodily attitude still reflect a rather cold anger. He barely gives journalists time to finish their questions, he answers in just a few words, without developing his thoughts, which is quite rare with him. After the new defeat of his family, the 5th in a row, the King probably had other things in mind than Russell Westbrook.
He must for example ask himself how to get a first victory, how to find a suitable address behind the arc, how to develop a coherent attack. If he does not find the answers to all these questions, the Lakers could go straight to the worst start to the season in their history. He probably dreamed better for his 20th year in the league…
Russell Westbrook should remain in this role of 6th man for a while, unless he is traded in the coming days. This change has in any case proved one thing: it is not the reason why the Lakers do not win.