“Buy him out and send him home” Colin Cowherd believes Russell Westbrook stories are being leaked out on purpose
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Colin Cowherd on Los Angeles Lakers and Russell Westbrook
Los Angeles Lakers had a miserable 2022 season and the failure of Russell Westbrook is one of the prime reasons for their poor display. Prior to the start of 2021-22 season, the purple and gold franchise made a huge trade for Westbrook that shook the NBA world and allowed the franchise to lead the betting odds for a championship. But hopes were the only positive sign for them in the 2022 season, as Westbrook remained ineffective throughout the season. Though Russ is hoping to get on the right track for the upcoming season, there are many contradicting rumors around him.
LA Lakers hoped to get the best offensive trio together when they traded for Westbrook the last offseason. Playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Westbrook had the opportunity to thrive with the strong supporting cast and win his 1st NBA ring. However, the experiment backfired as Westbrook saw an enormous decline in his play, especially while handling the ball.
And entering into his last year, which he opted in using his player option and confirmed his stay at the Lakers. With Many trade rumors surrounding Russell Westbrook, many people were looking at his departure from Hollywood. Darvin Ham and Westbrook’s camp remained confident of playing together yet things seem to be getting out of hand every passing day.
After an NBA insider report suggested that Westbrook would “push back” when criticized during film sessions last year, many wondered if he could eventually be on the move. On “The Herd,” sports analyst Colin Cowherd said he believes the story was leaked on purpose, “These stories are basically a cover for when they buy him out and send him home.”
Is Russell Westbrook the reason for Lakers’ downfall?
4th overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft Russell Westbrook certainly lived up to his reputation in his early days. He has been one of the most electrifying guards in the NBA throughout his illustrious career. 9-time All-Star was seen as an explosive player who was able to dunk on the Rim and also make ranged shots. He led the league in scoring in two different seasons while leading in assists 3 times in his career.
Looking at his gameplay and impact, he was selected for the 75th Anniversary Team. He was one of very few players who had not won any title and still was part of the illustrious team, highlighting his importance in the team.
So when the Lakers signed the 2017 MVP, many thought that Los Angeles was the favorite in the Western Conference. The idea of making a run towards the championship fizzled, however, as the team struggled with injuries and poor play in a 33-49 season.
Westbrook averaged 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists per game in his career and had recorded 194 triple-double performances in just 14 seasons. But for the Lakers, his production dropped to 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game He was 44.4% from the field, including 29.8% from 3-point range last season. It was the lowest scoring output since his Rookie years. Former UCLA star made just 1 NBA Finals appearance in 2012 but had a great opportunity to win his 1st ring playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
As of now, Westbrook is still on the Lakers’ books and will be hoping for the best games, while suiting up alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Lakers have put faith in head coach Darvin Ham to turn Westbrook into a useful piece, and if he could do the same, it would be a matter of a few games the Lakers would win the title after 2020.
Also Read: Watch: LeBron James gets accused of ‘DIRTY PLAY’ in a viral video from Drew League
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)