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Why Isaiah Thomas should start over Russell Westbrook for the Lakers

By Zamir Bueno

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Isaiah Thomas #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Isaiah Thomas #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers, Isaiah Thomas, Russell Westbrook
Dec 17, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Isaiah Thomas (31) fist bumps a fan after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Why Isaiah Thomas should start over Russell Westbrook for the Lakers

The skillset similarities between James and Westbrook have contributed to the team performing better with them separated. The on-court fit is questionable at best.

Los Angeles shoots 46.4 percent on 48.4 attempts per game in 25.7 minutes with them on the court. The team has been more effective when James shares the court with Malik Monk.

Monk is taking 58.3 percent of his shots from behind the arc averaging 4.8 per game. He has shot 36.1 percent in 28 outings, two percent above his career average.

Consequently, the team is shooting 49.4 percent on 20.5 attempts per game in 12 minutes per game. Isaiah Thomas’ off-ball skills would complement Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James significantly better than  Russell Westbrook

Therefore, the acquisition of Thomas gives the team the ability to give James more time off the ball as Thomas has been an above-average shooter throughout his career. Furthermore, Thomas has also excelled from behind the arc, making 36.3 percent of his attempts on 5.3 shots per game.

Thomas’s off-ball skill set indicates that he would be better for the Lakers’ starting lineup than Westbrook. Unfortunately, the difference in contracts between both players makes this scenario unlikely. Westbrook is currently earning $44.2 million this season while Isaiah Thomas is on the minimum.

Next. 5 trade targets to help the Lakers. dark

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