We know, we know, the headline sounds ludicrous. But stick with us for a moment.
Yes, Russell Westbrook has been the scapegoat of the Los Angeles Lakers and the human symbol for all that has gone wrong with them this season.
Yes, his play has been inconsistent. Yes, he is a flawed player.
Yes, the Lakers gave up too much to get him, based on his level of play and impact this season.
But there are signs he could be turning it around.
On Friday against the Toronto Raptors, he had a chance to tie the game off an offensive rebound in the closing seconds, only to throw up a really ugly brick.
Russ. 😳
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 19, 2022
It would’ve been fitting if the Lakers had lost on that miscue.
But seconds later, Westbrook redeemed himself and spurred his team to victory against one of the hotter teams in the NBA in the last two months.
RUSSELL WESTBROOK CLUTCH!!!
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 19, 2022
He finished with a triple-double, and one night later, although the Lakers lost, he followed it up with 22 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field and 2-of-3 from downtown, plus 10 rebounds and eight assists.
This is the kind of effort he can build on.
