Russell Westbrook is not to blame for the Lakers struggles

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers of the Los Angeles Lakers sit on the bench in the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 12, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

The Los Angeles Lakers have been an absolute mess this season. And in a stunning turn of events, they didn’t even end up making a deal at the NBA trade deadline.

Instead, they stood pat, choosing to roll with the guys they currently have on the roster. They might look to make some additions in the buyout market, but for the most part, the team will look the same.

As far as blame goes, most people have turned to one guy in particular – Russell Westbrook. But unfortunately for them, he is not the problem with the Lakers.

Russell Westbrook is not to blame for the Lakers struggles

Now, don’t get it twisted, Westbrook hasn’t been great this year. He’s certainly not helping Los Angeles during their struggles, but he’s also not the main reason behind them.

The real culprit that’s seeing this Lakers team, that was a champion just two years ago, underperform? A subpar defense. That’s the thing people should be looking at.

Los Angeles’ offense is worse than their defense, statistically speaking. Their offensive rating is 108.9 (23rd in the NBA), while their defensive rating is 110.3 (16th in the NBA).

But the fact of the matter is, this version of the Lakers has never been a great offensive team, even at their peak. Instead, they won based on their defensive prowess.

Just look at their championship season – 2020. Their offense was 11th in terms of rating but, their defense? Third in the entire league (106.1). And it’s all Westbrook’s fault… well, kind of.

It’s not Westbrook’s fault himself, but it’s the fact that they traded for him. In doing so, they allowed Alex Caruso to walk, and traded away Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – their two best perimeter defenders.

And their offense should at fault a bit, too, as they lost Dennis Schroder, Kyle Kuzma, and Montrezl Harrell. Those three aren’t elite but compared to Avery Bradley, Kent Bazemore, and DeAndre Jordan, they would be a serious upgrade.

The Lakers dug their own grave when they decided to trade the depth that made them a contender away in exchange for aging star power. And now, their defense (and offense) is faltering because of it.

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