Dwyane Wade Gives Strategic Advice on How Russell Westbrook Can Improve His Performance for the Lakers

As the halfway point of the season comes closer, the Lakers continue their descent in the NBA’s Western Conference. The big three of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook, has not worked out well for the Lakers. Furthermore, things have been especially worse for Russ. In his last two games, the guard received massive boos from the LA crowd, and did not even feature in the final period of play in both games (OT period against the Knicks, and 4th quarter against the Bucks).

With the trade deadline nearing in a day’s time, many fans would be happy to see Russ depart from LA. In light of this, and Russ’ poor performances, former NBA star Dwyane Wade shared a piece of advice for the Laker guard.

Dwyane Wade’s advice for Russell Westbrook

Sitting down with the TNT Crew, former Miami Heat star, Dwyane Wade shared some useful advice for Westbrook with regards to how he can adjust his style of play depending on whether LeBron and AD are on the floor with him.

“None of us want to give the ball up to take less shots when we’re so used to being able to have the ball and shooting the shots we want,” said Wade, explaining Russ’ ball-dominant style of play.

“But sometimes, when you become part of a team like this team, when you have a LeBron and AD and those guys, you have to pick your spots,” added Wade.

“So Russ, I think with this team, as they go down the second half, is understanding when Bron and AD is not on the floor, that’s when I can be Russ,” he explained on the scenario when Russ can play like he always does.

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Furthermore, Wade added by saying that when LeBron and Davis rejoin Westbrook on the court, Russ must play off the ball and focus on his passing and rebounding. In fact, speaking of his passing, Westbrook’s assists contribute to 16.3% of the total points scored by the Lakers. This when combined with the points he has scored attributes to 32.8% of the all the points scored by the Lakers this season. Only when Russ is without LeBron and AD can he play his regular ball-dominant game.

In Conclusion

At present, there are two options that the Lakers have. The first would be to trade Westbrook and receive players that suit LeBron’s and AD’s style of play. Unfortunately, this scenario is difficult due to two factors – Russ’ huge salary and his poor performances. These two factors have worked in tandem with each other and have prevented teams from taking a bet on the point guard by adding him to their roster.

READ MORE: Russell Westbrook Hits Back at Reporters: “When I Play Bad, You Guys Ask Me a Sh*t Ton of Questions. And Then When I Shoot the Ball Well, I Don’t Hear Too Many of Those Questions”

The second, and the more likely scenario is that Westbrook stays in LA. Playing alongside LeBron and AD can be tough, especially if you are a ball-dominant player and a former league MVP. But teamwork is the essence of success in the NBA. So, Russ will have to switch it up and take Wade’s advice to bring success to the Lakers.