Can Russell Westbrook Be a Great 6th Man for the Lakers?
Russell Westbrook, known for his highly impactful role as a starter, is now challenging the narrative by exploring the possibility of him taking a different role: that of a 6th man. This article delves into whether switching Westbrook to the bench could be a strategic move for the Los Angeles Lakers, aligning with their recent additions and overall team dynamic.
Why Not Leverage Westbrook's Strengths with a New Role?
The Lakers acquired Westbrook with the intention of making the most of his talents, but in the current setup, he finds himself as a spot-up shooter when LeBron James is on the court. This role might not be the best fit for his skills and could explain the less-than-stellar performance he had in the last few games. By moving Westbrook to the bench and surrounding him with dynamic shooters, the team could unlock new levels of success and energy.
Comparing Roles: From Starter to 6th Man
Westbrook's journey across three different teams shows his adaptability and leadership. In Oklahoma City, he was a key starter. In Houston, he adjusted to a smaller role and played exceptionally well. In Washington, despite some setbacks, he made an improbable run to the playoffs. Could moving him to the bench, where he had success in Houston, yield similar results for the Lakers?
Strategic Benefits of a 6th Man Role
Surrounding shooters: The Lakers have shooters like Carmelo Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and others. By having Westbrook run the second unit, he could use the court more effectively, creating open drives and kick opportunities for his teammates. This strategy could also help Westbrook burn off some of that energy that makes him stand out as a ball handler.
Game-unfolding analysis: When Westbrook is on the bench, he can observe the game unfold from a unique perspective. This positional shift could enable him to make smarter entries into the game when it's his time to enter, potentially leading to more impactful plays.
Pressure on Opponents: Westbrook's presence on the court, even as a 6th man, could force opponents to maintain intense pressure. This added pressure could provide open shots for his teammates and force defensive rotations that could aid the entire team.
Redefined Role and Performance Management
In game-to-game decision-making, it’s crucial to evaluate Westbrook's actions and adapt the strategy accordingly. If he is not being aggressive enough during the starting lineup, rotating him to the bench midway could preserve his energy and focus for impactful moments. This approach aligns with the idea of managing player performance effectively.
Some players, like Jeremy Lin, have struggled with the transition to a bench role, but the key is to keep pressure on Westbrook to perform. By maintaining aggression and dynamic play, Westbrook could overcome his home struggle and thrive in the new role.
Conclusion
The potential for Russell Westbrook to excel as a 6th man for the Lakers lies in leveraging his strengths while providing a new role that suits his abilities. With the right strategy and support, Westbrook could turn his current struggles into a strategic advantage for the team. The question remains: Will the Lakers and their fans give him a chance to prove this theory?