Lakers: Can Russell Westbrook win the Sixth Man of the Year?

Redirecting the Los Angeles Lakers franchise requires more than star power. Their 2-9 start to the new campaign is difficult to watch, causing concern for fans used to the association’s success. Four consecutive losses make it hard for Darvin Ham’s squad to find a rhythm. Points are hard to come by, forcing the team to make significant changes.

A decision to shift roles in the rotation changed the starting lineup. Playmaking responsibilities remained on the shoulders of LeBron James, leaving scoring duties to new faces. A lack of offensive production presented players with more minutes. Dennis Schroder transitioned to the starting lineup, placing Russell Westbrook on the bench.

Russell Westbrook is capable of performing well against opposing bench lineups for Los Angeles Lakers.

Coming off the bench was not the plan for No. 0 when he was signed by the Lakers. Before joining LeBron, Westbrook was known for committing offenses. Washington’s point guard ranked first in assists per game (11.7) and seventh in rebounds per game (11.5), presenting teammates with open looks. When defenders left Westbrook open, he made them pay. His 22.2 points per game helped the Wizards compete in a competitive Eastern Conference.

Inconsistencies on the hardwood make it hard for the Lakers’ front office to provide Westbrook with a workload of minutes. Glimpses of his greatness are nonexistent, leading fans to believe No. 0 lost his pep. In 2021, Los Angeles relied on their star point guard to add points to the scoreboard. Instead, his three-point percentage became one of the league’s worst (29.8).

Offense struggles continued to stymie Ham’s progress in the new season. A fresh start from the bench appears to be the remedy for their veteran’s cold streak. In November, Westbrook’s minutes decreased by 2.2 minutes when compared to October. His points per game also increased by 6.6, showing immediate results in a new role.

A new role will reunite Russell Westbrook with the drive to compete

Changing the Los Angeles Lakers’ starting lineup was a good decision for Ham and his staff. Seven consecutive losses put the organization in a tough position, and a new look has helped the squad find its identity. If L.A. continues to struggle, additional changes could follow. Keeping Westbrook as a sixth option seems to produce results and should remain concrete as the season progresses.

Competing for the Sixth Man of the Year award will motivate Los Angeles’ star point guard to bring his best game every night. An award that highlights his contributions to the team will boost his confidence on the court for upcoming seasons, giving the Lakers an opportunity to uplift a player of superstar caliber.

If he becomes consistent, Russell Westbrook is skilled enough to take home the hardware in a new role this season.