The Los Angeles Lakers have once again started the season in misery. Losing a game they had in their pockets, they are now winless in three games. A roster which is not fit for shooting the basketball is trying to do just that in the case of the Lakers. However, there are other problems plaguing the LA team. One of them making a return from last season, the situation with Russell Westbrook. The 2017 MVP has arguably taken a big fall from grace. His production is nowhere near what the NBA witnessed just a few of seasons ago. And a former player for the purple and gold has some advice for him.
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Half a decade ago, the basketball world knew a different Russell Westbrook. A true gift of nature, the Brodie was a dominant scorer, a walking triple-double. His MVP season is regarded as one of the greatest individual displays of all time. No matter what the time, the nine-time All-Star was doing it all. However, over the years, the wear and tear have become evident. And now, it seems to be at its peak.
The last season was horrid for Westbrook. It seems that hasn’t changed in his three appearances this season. Looking at Westbrook’s approach, Kwame Brown gave him the hard truth without any filter.
Lakers need vintage Russell Westbrook?
As the season has begun, Westbrook’s tendency to shoot the ball has increased since the last season. Averaging just 10 points per game, the former MVP has made just one three so far shooting 8% from beyond the arc. And it seems former Laker Kwame Brown can’t sit and take more of it. Speaking about the Los Angeles Lakers and Westbrook, he expressed his wishes to see him attack the inside. Moreover, he thinks Westbrook should never shoot a three ever again.
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Brown said in a recent video: “If I was Russ I wouldn’t even shoot a damn three. I would just dribble the ball one-two steps and shoot a jump shot inside the arc. God damn, you can’t shoot no threes.” He continued saying, “Russ no more threes bruh, please.”
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Westbrook might not be the same player he was five years ago. His athleticism might have taken a dip. However, he has still shown flashes of his old self bullying defenders on the inside. The major problem just might be the mindset of shooting. With his ferocious competitive spirit, Westbrook might want to change the narrative of him being a shooter. However, what the Lakers need from him is to be an efficient scorer off the ball.
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Not having control of the game is new for Westbrook. But the 2016-17 MVP can still be dangerous. While his finishing has declined, it isn’t his worst asset by far. In 2020, Brodie was able to average 15 points in the paint alone, more than his entire tally this season. Hence, to say he is finished might be an exaggeration. A change in action plan could be what the Lakers need for their championship. Moreover, it might be a change Westbrook needs to defend his legacy as one of the most unique talents in NBA history.
Do you think Russell Westbrook will make the change that Kwame Brown wants him to? Let us know your views in the comments below.