![]() The move to the bench has overlapped with LeBron missing six of the Lakers’ last nine games but those two variables together have given Westbrook an opportunity to work more with the ball in his hands, the only reason scenario he’s been able to demonstrate any value.Īs a starter, Westbrook had the ball in his hands for an average of 4.4 minutes per game, with an average touch length of about 4.37 seconds. Another piece of this change is that he’s playing a much lower proportion of his minutes against opposing started. ![]() Since moving to the bench, it’s been Austin Reaves, Davis, Walker IV and Troy Brown. In his three games as a starter, the four players he shared the floor with most often were Anthony Davis, Lonnie Walker IV, LeBron James and Patrick Beverley. But hidden in those minutes totals are a few really important distinctions. One could argue that the difference between starting and coming off the bench has been largely symbolic since he’s playing almost an identical number of minutes per game (28.5) as a starter and coming off the bench (28.3). Why is Russell Westbrook thriving on the Lakers bench? ![]() The shooting percentages are still a drag on the Lakers’ offense but he’s been far more productive. As a reserve, he’s averaging 15.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game, shooting 41.5 percent from the field and 35.0 percent from beyond the arc. Westbrook was an absolute disaster in the first few games of the season but has played extremely well since being moved to the Lakers bench.Īs a starter, Westbrook was averaging 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, shooting 28.9 percent from the field and just 1-of-12 from beyond the arc. Some improved shooting numbers have helped ( thank you, progression to the mean) but a string of solid performances from Russell Westbrook has been key as well. Moving Russell Westbrook to the bench has been a big part of their turnaround.ĭon’t look now, but the Lakers have five of their last six games and climbed their way out of the Western Conference basement. Westbrook will lose out on some usage if Leonard is back in action for Friday's rematch with Memphis, but the veteran point guard should still be a solid source of counting stats while George is likely sidelined through the end of the regular season.After a disastrous start, the Lakers have been building positive momentum. He's now converting at a 49.2 percent rate from the field in a Clipper uniform, and if he continues to eschew the three-point shot, he could end up being something close to a neutral performer in field-goal percentage the rest of the way rather than the major liability he's been for much of his career. Though he continues to struggle from the free-throw line and had connected on only one-quarter of his three-point attempts as a member of the Clippers prior to Wednesday's 5-for-5 showing, Westbrook has at least improved his efficiency from the field. He also reached double digits in assists for the second straight game. The 36 points were a season high, as were his five made triples. With Paul George (knee) and Kawhi Leonard (personal) sitting out, Westbrook stepped up to lead the L.A. Westbrook closed Wednesday's 141-132 win over the Grizzlies with 36 points (13-18 FG, 5-5 3Pt, 5-9 FT), 10 assists, four rebounds and two blocks over 35 minutes.
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