Russell Westbrook’s jump shot caused so much pain for Lakers fans last year. It just left them so confused.
The shot was just so bad. Anytime he shot the ball it felt like a live ball turnover. And with the wild bounces it sometimes took off the backboard, that’s absolutely what it was.
That’s why Westbrook was just such a bad fit with James and the Lakers last season. He has never been a particularly good jump shooter and the Lakers knew that when they got him.
That’s why Russ is back in the lab this off-season. Apparently, he’s put in work to improve his jump shot. A video session of him working with Chris Brickley surfaced on the internet and, honestly, the shot looks better.
Russell Westbrook’s jumper is looking clean. 🔥
(via @Cbrickley603) pic.twitter.com/51lYu7wqLj
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) September 15, 2022
It’s flatter. He isn’t jumping as high and the ball has more arch to it than it previously did.
This is just a set shot, so we have no idea how it looks off the dribble. But this definitely looks like an improvement. A subtle one, but an improvement nonetheless.
You’d think fans would be happier about this. But nope! They’re actually not buying it at all.
https://t.co/PYMaxQBLVA pic.twitter.com/gmt5ynWBJD
— scott dekay (@DekayScott) September 16, 2022
But can he do it in a game is the real question https://t.co/7Vob9EJ6PM
— KutzByDcam (@dcam__15) September 16, 2022
Maybe he has something for me this season but I’m not holding my breath https://t.co/dU2flW6IUD
— melo (@bigpapidivine) September 16, 2022
Lol… We see this every year from every star player with horrendous shooting https://t.co/iztVdPM9zV
— Tweety (@Tweety4real) September 16, 2022
Wait til the season start https://t.co/nFNHYFM4Y6
— Human Highlight (@IAMNIQUENEALS) September 16, 2022
This gym is birthplace to so many high expectations for upcoming NBA seasons. https://t.co/vRNSEI8qgv
— HoopDreamzz (@dreamzz_hoop) September 16, 2022
Gym/Workout videos remain the biggest piece of propaganda in the association https://t.co/r70eVstRJt
— CJ 🦍 (@FRAUDM0NEY) September 16, 2022
Y’all say this every year https://t.co/a5FR27p8QE
— Marco (@MarcusThadude_) September 16, 2022
His form kinda weird but he better shoot at least 34% or up from 3 https://t.co/zTtmWCvSYW
— Kwane Brown (@Pedro38688765) September 16, 2022
I’m not fooled by this for a second do it in real games or it never happened 🙄 #LakeShow 💜💛💜💛 https://t.co/8VFeLLT9qd
— Crystal “Miss 🍑y” (@CrystalPeachyB) September 16, 2022
The skepticism is understandable given what they’ve seen. But, hey! At least there’s hope, right?
Good luck, Lakers fans.
