2024 NBA Season

[blockman]

Russell Westbrook shot 44.4% (548/1233) overall and 29.8% (79/265) from three in 78 games in 2021-22.

I would say decent percentage but he can improved a lot on this. So I would say that Ham turning him to be a shooter might not be a bad idea at all. Westbrook just need to bring his confidence back so that he can at least improved this numbers as a shooter.

I do not know if he can still improve on that. He is already on the decline. In Washington, he is 31.5% in 3pt% and last year just 29.8%. He would be an unreliable shooter if the coach will put him as a corner shooter. That will just destroy westbrook further. I think he should take the guard role instead and let westbrook do what westbrook does the best. Or just trade him because he does not fit if they will force him to be the shooter.

With confidence or none, it's quite hard to put that back on track for Westbrook. True, the numbers speak for themselves and teams would just look at his past performances for the teams that he has played.
I don't think all teams would like to have that player that has been once too good and desired by most but dropped a lot on his performance. A few probably will but most of them won't find it worth signing him.

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[wheelz1200]

Jazz after losing Gobert, Mitchell and possibly the rest of the remaining good players is a team with very low total salary. I am no expert on the present NBA agreement but there is a minimum amount to spend for a season. The Jazz does have the money to pay Westbrook without the extra luxury taxes. But in order for Utah to waste millions of dollars they will be asking future draft picks. It is up for the Lakers to gamble in order to provide LBJ the players he needed. 

To be honest, I doubt the Jazz would have any interest in Westbrook, given the Jazz management's desire to collect future draft picks to rebuild the team. Moreover, Westbrook should earn $47 mln for the coming season, and I don't think any team would want to waste so much money at a time when there are plenty of other good players out there for less money.

That's the point the Lakers would have to give up future draft picks for someone to take his salary on.  Russ comes with draft picks because everyone knows the Lakers want to dump his salary.  And for a team with a player with a long contract it makes sense for them to package for russ since his is expiring.  There are many reason people will take on russ at this point.

[Baofeng]

Russell Westbrook shot 44.4% (548/1233) overall and 29.8% (79/265) from three in 78 games in 2021-22.

I would say decent percentage but he can improved a lot on this. So I would say that Ham turning him to be a shooter might not be a bad idea at all. Westbrook just need to bring his confidence back so that he can at least improved this numbers as a shooter.

I do not know if he can still improve on that. He is already on the decline. In Washington, he is 31.5% in 3pt% and last year just 29.8%. He would be an unreliable shooter if the coach will put him as a corner shooter. That will just destroy westbrook further. I think he should take the guard role instead and let westbrook do what westbrook does the best. Or just trade him because he does not fit if they will force him to be the shooter.

If we are going to base on that stat then the Lakers should know that it's not a good idea for Westbrook to shoot more often and developed him to be a outside threat to them.

As I have said, Westbrook is still very effective going inside and passing the ball to their shooters. That should be the focus on their new coach and not try to reinvent Westbrook because it might backfire on them and maybe close game that he can't make the shots outside so the blame will be on him again.

[Russlenat]

As I have said, Westbrook is still very effective going inside and passing the ball to their shooters. That should be the focus on their new coach and not try to reinvent Westbrook because it might backfire on them and maybe close game that he can't make the shots outside so the blame will be on him again.

That's going to be the scenario if he will fail, Westbrook has to play with the coach's design of play, if the coach wants him the ball handler, then he should carry the ball and pass, however, there might be some problems because Lebron has been the active point guard of the team despite the fact they have a point guard already.

[sana54210]

With confidence or none, it's quite hard to put that back on track for Westbrook. True, the numbers speak for themselves and teams would just look at his past performances for the teams that he has played.
I don't think all teams would like to have that player that has been once too good and desired by most but dropped a lot on his performance. A few probably will but most of them won't find it worth signing him.

You know what is weird about westbrook? The reality is that he would be a perfect player for many teams, he would still be the famous triple double master for so many teams in the league, hell you could put him on warriors and he would beast there, he would be so so so amazing and would get rings there. Why and how?

Well, simply because Klay and Steph would be shooting outside, and westbrook would just take the ball and go in, he would go pass his man with his explosive first step and pace, and if someone comes to defensive help, then he would pass out, even if he can't pass to Klay or Steph, he would find an open man and in that team that is a killer chance. So, it is only Lakers that is the problem, not Westbrook.

[Japinat]

With confidence or none, it's quite hard to put that back on track for Westbrook. True, the numbers speak for themselves and teams would just look at his past performances for the teams that he has played.
I don't think all teams would like to have that player that has been once too good and desired by most but dropped a lot on his performance. A few probably will but most of them won't find it worth signing him.

You know what is weird about westbrook? The reality is that he would be a perfect player for many teams, he would still be the famous triple double master for so many teams in the league, hell you could put him on warriors and he would beast there, he would be so so so amazing and would get rings there. Why and how?

Well, simply because Klay and Steph would be shooting outside, and westbrook would just take the ball and go in, he would go pass his man with his explosive first step and pace, and if someone comes to defensive help, then he would pass out, even if he can't pass to Klay or Steph, he would find an open man and in that team that is a killer chance. So, it is only Lakers that is the problem, not Westbrook.

It's not Westbrook who is going to dictate what he wants to do with the Warriors if he will be able to play with the team. Look Andrew Wiggins, he was criticized on his previous teams because he does not live on the team's expectation, but when he was signed with the Warriors, we saw how effective he was in the NBA finals, and he was one of the biggest reason for their success.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

As I have said, Westbrook is still very effective going inside and passing the ball to their shooters. That should be the focus on their new coach and not try to reinvent Westbrook because it might backfire on them and maybe close game that he can't make the shots outside so the blame will be on him again.

That's going to be the scenario if he will fail, Westbrook has to play with the coach's design of play, if the coach wants him the ball handler, then he should carry the ball and pass, however, there might be some problems because Lebron has been the active point guard of the team despite the fact they have a point guard already.

And maybe that's where the problem is? Lebron and Westbrook can't play the same role and that's why they've failed in the last season. The job of carrying the ball is not that define, and eventhough Lebron was injured last season, you can see when he played, him and Westbrook are not in the same page. So that is one are that the Ham would have to look at, how and where to divide the taks between this two superstars.

[Russlenat]

As I have said, Westbrook is still very effective going inside and passing the ball to their shooters. That should be the focus on their new coach and not try to reinvent Westbrook because it might backfire on them and maybe close game that he can't make the shots outside so the blame will be on him again.

That's going to be the scenario if he will fail, Westbrook has to play with the coach's design of play, if the coach wants him the ball handler, then he should carry the ball and pass, however, there might be some problems because Lebron has been the active point guard of the team despite the fact they have a point guard already.

And maybe that's where the problem is? Lebron and Westbrook can't play the same role and that's why they've failed in the last season. The job of carrying the ball is not that define, and eventhough Lebron was injured last season, you can see when he played, him and Westbrook are not in the same page. So that is one are that the Ham would have to look at, how and where to divide the taks between this two superstars.

The problem is chemistry, Lebron cannot play the point guard if he wants to give Westbrook a chance to play his game. It's just my personal opinion though, I could be right or wrong, but it's my honest observation.

his position last season is power forward, he should stick to that, not only in paper.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jamesle01.html

[danherbias07]

As I have said, Westbrook is still very effective going inside and passing the ball to their shooters. That should be the focus on their new coach and not try to reinvent Westbrook because it might backfire on them and maybe close game that he can't make the shots outside so the blame will be on him again.

That's going to be the scenario if he will fail, Westbrook has to play with the coach's design of play, if the coach wants him the ball handler, then he should carry the ball and pass, however, there might be some problems because Lebron has been the active point guard of the team despite the fact they have a point guard already.

And maybe that's where the problem is? Lebron and Westbrook can't play the same role and that's why they've failed in the last season. The job of carrying the ball is not that define, and eventhough Lebron was injured last season, you can see when he played, him and Westbrook are not in the same page. So that is one are that the Ham would have to look at, how and where to divide the taks between this two superstars.

Maybe.
But Lebron already changed his type of game. Most of the time he is outside looking for a pass or using that as a hesitation move to shoot a three. Sometimes post-up perimeter shots.
Westbrook is effective at attacking the paint and he is still doing that, nothing really changed. It's just that, because of lack of shooters in the Lakers roster he is forced to make decisions like doing the outside shots which is not his best strength.
I think Coach Ham will keep on pounding WB as an attacker to create spacing and learn a kick out pass.

[mirakal]

I think Coach Ham will keep on pounding WB as an attacker to create spacing and learn a kick out pass.

That's right, it should be the purpose, otherwise that strategy won't work if Westbrook is not gonna pass the ball. Maybe more than 50%, WB will draw attention when he drives the ball, so there are shooters that are going to be open, and I don't know if the Lakers have a consistent 3 point shooters that could play the role.

[Yamifoud]

I think Coach Ham will keep on pounding WB as an attacker to create spacing and learn a kick out pass.

That's right, it should be the purpose, otherwise that strategy won't work if Westbrook is not gonna pass the ball. Maybe more than 50%, WB will draw attention when he drives the ball, so there are shooters that are going to be open, and I don't know if the Lakers have a consistent 3 point shooters that could play the role.

Westbrook is very athletic but not a good passer, that's my observation. Although I might be wrong because he used to average a triple double production in the game, but we all know sometimes he does stat padding, and if we compare his stats last season to his production in OKC, you can tell the big difference, so we can ask ourselves if he really is that good.

[Pamadar]

I think Coach Ham will keep on pounding WB as an attacker to create spacing and learn a kick out pass.

That's right, it should be the purpose, otherwise that strategy won't work if Westbrook is not gonna pass the ball. Maybe more than 50%, WB will draw attention when he drives the ball, so there are shooters that are going to be open, and I don't know if the Lakers have a consistent 3 point shooters that could play the role.

Westbrook is very athletic but not a good passer, that's my observation. Although I might be wrong because he used to average a triple double production in the game, but we all know sometimes he does stat padding, and if we compare his stats last season to his production in OKC, you can tell the big difference, so we can ask ourselves if he really is that good.

He needs to adjust if the new coach will design that play or system for him. We all know that he's not

the main man here, unlike with OKC where he can do that stat padding, here in Lakers LeBron will orchestrate the play
and if the design is for Westbrook to attack, then pass, he needs to follow that system. I would love to see how he will
dedicate his contribution to the best outcome while he is still wearing Lakers uniform.

[Smack That Ace]

That's going to be the scenario if he will fail, Westbrook has to play with the coach's design of play, if the coach wants him the ball handler, then he should carry the ball and pass, however, there might be some problems because Lebron has been the active point guard of the team despite the fact they have a point guard already.

And maybe that's where the problem is? Lebron and Westbrook can't play the same role and that's why they've failed in the last season. The job of carrying the ball is not that define, and eventhough Lebron was injured last season, you can see when he played, him and Westbrook are not in the same page. So that is one are that the Ham would have to look at, how and where to divide the taks between this two superstars.

The problem is chemistry, Lebron cannot play the point guard if he wants to give Westbrook a chance to play his game. It's just my personal opinion though, I could be right or wrong, but it's my honest observation.
his position last season is power forward, he should stick to that, not only in paper.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jamesle01.html

I think they should try to play LeBron James in his natural position. And they should make some adjustments with Westbrook.
LeBron James is a more influential and better-performing player compared to Westbrook.
So, it would be better if they prioritized the performance of a player who is playing better.
But if they try to make some experiment with Westbrook and he does not play well that is also not going to end up being very good for the team.

I think Coach Ham will keep on pounding WB as an attacker to create spacing and learn a kick out pass.

That's right, it should be the purpose, otherwise that strategy won't work if Westbrook is not gonna pass the ball. Maybe more than 50%, WB will draw attention when he drives the ball, so there are shooters that are going to be open, and I don't know if the Lakers have a consistent 3 point shooters that could play the role.

Westbrook is very athletic but not a good passer, that's my observation. Although I might be wrong because he used to average a triple double production in the game, but we all know sometimes he does stat padding, and if we compare his stats last season to his production in OKC, you can tell the big difference, so we can ask ourselves if he really is that good.

The problem is right now Westbrook is not doing anything well enough to give him solid room. And that is going to be a problem for the whole team eventually.
That is obviously not going to be good for the player as well. And the chance of him behaving and not being very friendly with other players is also a possibility.
And I am really at a loss about what the plan is going to be.



Regards

Duke

[OgNasty]

I think Coach Ham will keep on pounding WB as an attacker to create spacing and learn a kick out pass.

That's right, it should be the purpose, otherwise that strategy won't work if Westbrook is not gonna pass the ball. Maybe more than 50%, WB will draw attention when he drives the ball, so there are shooters that are going to be open, and I don't know if the Lakers have a consistent 3 point shooters that could play the role.

Westbrook is very athletic but not a good passer, that's my observation. Although I might be wrong because he used to average a triple double production in the game, but we all know sometimes he does stat padding, and if we compare his stats last season to his production in OKC, you can tell the big difference, so we can ask ourselves if he really is that good.

I think he was that good, but Father Time is undefeated. When your game is built on the back of your athleticism, the aging process is never kind to your career as an athlete. Russell is going to suffer the same fate as an older Shawn Kemp. Unwilling to change his game and unable to perform to prior capabilities.

[dwyane36]

I think he was that good, but Father Time is undefeated. When your game is built on the back of your athleticism, the aging process is never kind to your career as an athlete. Russell is going to suffer the same fate as an older Shawn Kemp. Unwilling to change his game and unable to perform to prior capabilities.

Honestly, I think Westbrook's poor performance last season wasn't due to aging but because of his unwillingness to somehow adapt his style of play to his new teammates, especially LeBron. So it seems to me Westbrook still has enough athleticism, but he needs to use his strengths differently instead of trying to make triple-doubles every game.

[OgNasty]

With 2 spots left open on the Lakers roster and Russell Westbrook still a question mark, eyes are turning towards Carmelo Anthony to see if he's going to resign.  Here's an article discussing it: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/lakers-news-the-latest-on-a-possible-carmelo-anthony-return/ar-AA11rnJE

I would like to see Carmelo come back and play another season.  He's got so many great statistics, I don't mind him sticking around a couple extra years to pad them a bit.  He's still a dangerous 3 point shooter and a big body.

[yahoo62278]

I think he was that good, but Father Time is undefeated. When your game is built on the back of your athleticism, the aging process is never kind to your career as an athlete. Russell is going to suffer the same fate as an older Shawn Kemp. Unwilling to change his game and unable to perform to prior capabilities.

Honestly, I think Westbrook's poor performance last season wasn't due to aging but because of his unwillingness to somehow adapt his style of play to his new teammates, especially LeBron. So it seems to me Westbrook still has enough athleticism, but he needs to use his strengths differently instead of trying to make triple-doubles every game.

So you think he should still play if that means he stays a Laker? As you just said he could not or did not adapt his style, but maybe his teammates didn't like his style? If you are Westbrook would you want to stay a laker?

[tygeade]

I think he was that good, but Father Time is undefeated. When your game is built on the back of your athleticism, the aging process is never kind to your career as an athlete. Russell is going to suffer the same fate as an older Shawn Kemp. Unwilling to change his game and unable to perform to prior capabilities.

It's not even about father time because he is still fast and explosive, it is just about the fact that his style is old fashioned and we do not play that kind of basketball anymore in the world. He was a good player just 5 years ago or so, he was the mvp that won it with triple double, dude did triple double for the first time since Oscar Robertson, no other person has done it, and he did it 3 times in a row. That's insane right? Look at the win/loss rate of OKC during those years, 47/35, 48/34 and 49/33.

Now these are not "terrible" but when you have a player who has achieved what people assumed impossible, and did it three times in a row, and stay under 50 wins in all those years, that tells you that it was stat padding and nothing more by him.

[chaser15]

Honestly, I think Westbrook's poor performance last season wasn't due to aging but because of his unwillingness to somehow adapt his style of play to his new teammates, especially LeBron. So it seems to me Westbrook still has enough athleticism, but he needs to use his strengths differently instead of trying to make triple-doubles every game.

It's very noticeable that Russell Westbrook on his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers adjusted his role on the team. He is willing to do that obviously as I found it weird if a player is not willing to adopt the position they were assigned especially if that position is the role they are used to playing with. Westbrook's role on his previous team is almost like similar to his role on the Lakers.

We don't see the Lakers having fully utilized their main cast last season. Lots of games where Lebron James and especially Anthony Davis were put on sidelined because of their respective injuries. With LBJ and AD out, Westbrook instead of supposed to be a good backup player becomes one of the main guys which gives him a pressured task to do since he's not the Westbrook anymore during his prime that is capable of carrying a team.

Poor Westbrook too is always blamed for some Lakers' loss even though he has a good production in that game.

Whether Westbrook did good plays or not, expect criticism will always follow.

[Baofeng]

I think Coach Ham will keep on pounding WB as an attacker to create spacing and learn a kick out pass.

That's right, it should be the purpose, otherwise that strategy won't work if Westbrook is not gonna pass the ball. Maybe more than 50%, WB will draw attention when he drives the ball, so there are shooters that are going to be open, and I don't know if the Lakers have a consistent 3 point shooters that could play the role.

Westbrook is very athletic but not a good passer, that's my observation. Although I might be wrong because he used to average a triple double production in the game, but we all know sometimes he does stat padding, and if we compare his stats last season to his production in OKC, you can tell the big difference, so we can ask ourselves if he really is that good.

I think he was that good, but Father Time is undefeated. When your game is built on the back of your athleticism, the aging process is never kind to your career as an athlete. Russell is going to suffer the same fate as an older Shawn Kemp. Unwilling to change his game and unable to perform to prior capabilities.

True, but I think Father Time hasn't caught Westbrook though, just maybe the blending and the role of hime and the pressure to perform might really affect his performance last season. So I think he can still performance at 90% and it will be better that 10% of the player in the league right now. Can score, pass and rebound, in short he can still make triple double if he wanted to. Kemp was different, his weight fluctuated, and even weight around 260 lbs++ for his frame during the last stretch of his career. Just a sign that he lost everything then.