NBA Analyst Explains Why LeBron James Would Give Up on Russell Westbrook

The Los Angeles Lakers, following a burnout in the 1st round of the 2021 playoffs, have shed the excess weight. In a season overhauled by injury to franchise stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers lacked the arsenal to stay on pace for a top 4 seed in the West.

With LA’s next man up mentality falling flat on their faces in a season where they chased youth over veteran experience, this free agency was a make or break moment for the 17-time champions. But, Rob Pelinka has delivered. The GM pulled out all the stops, signing PG star Russell Westbrook and other championship pedigree chasing title number 18.

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Do Russell Westbrook and LeBron James fit together

Let’s face it, Russell Westbrook is one of the more ball dominant players in the modern era. While he is a stellar basketball talent who casually averages a triple double with 22.7ppg/11.7rpg/11.5apg, he isn’t the best fit for L.A.

Recently on Undisputed on FS1, NBA analysts Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe got into it, trying to assess L.A’s latest acquisitions as pieces that fit on the roster. Bayless said – “Le Shannon Sharpe told me the Lakers are better than last year. Are you sure sure Schroder wasn’t a better fit than Russell Westbrook? You’ve been seeing for over 13 years of Russell Westbrook. You knew what he is what he is not. Now he is LeBron’s.”

Bayless, contrary to his usual take on LeBron James said – “If anybody can make this work, I believe LeBron could.” Then he reverted to his usual view, saying – “But in the end, even LeBron will throw up his hands and say I’m sorry this is a disaster, this was a mistake. That’s what will happen ultimately.”

The reputed analyst then said – “Russell Westbrook is a solo act. And all of a sudden when you put him with LeBron James the ultimate distributor, it’s fire and water. It does not blend; it does not work. In the end, he’s going to become the ultimate scapegoat. KD tried for 8 seasons, Harden wanted out after 1. James will too, soon enough.”

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Championship number 18

With L.A’s big 3 being average shooters at bet, this may end up hurting the Lakers‘ chances in terms of shooting. However, they have ably addressed that drawback with an array of guards who can shoot it over 40% from 3. Last but not least, Russ is known to melt in the playoffs.

Is there anything the King can do to break Westbrook‘s recent flameouts on the biggest stage? Or is the Lakers’ ship sailing toward another disaster as they look to hang banner number 18 at Staples Center?

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