USA Today via Reuters
May 10, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) shoots past Atlanta Hawks guard Kevin Huerter (3) in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 10, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) shoots past Atlanta Hawks guard Kevin Huerter (3) in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers were arguably the most active team in free agency. Notably, their signing of Russell Westbrook from Washington has put them in a really strong position. Giving it his all on every single play is what makes Brodie such a nightmare to play against.
Likewise, the Lakers’ new arrival DeAndre Jordan is well aware of the competition playing against Westbrook. He is one of the most athletic point guards to play the game, which is not great for the opposing centers.
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DeAndre is happy to team up with Russell Westbrook
Lakers’ new signing could not be happier to be on the same side as Russ. Being a center himself, Jordan is aware of how difficult it is to face Westbrook coming to the rim. Moreover, he is a rim protector as well.
DeAndre on Westbrook: "Russ coming downhill angrily aggressive every time … was tough. Now I can see what it’s like to be a teammate with this guy. Now I don’t have to contest him at the rim (every play)."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 9, 2021
Jordan said: “Russ coming downhill angrily aggressive every time … was tough. Now I can see what it’s like to be a teammate with this guy. Now I don’t have to contest him at the rim.”
With his gifted athleticism, Russ was one of the leading scorers in the paint last season. His energy is high all game long and he can hurt a team if given the space. Hence, it is no surprise that the Lakers are back to being one of the favorites to win the title this season.
However, looking at Russell’s impact, how dominant is he in the paint?
How dominant is Brodie?
Generally, the paint is for the bigs to dominate. Traditional guards are more of shooters. However, with Westbrook, that does not matter. He takes most of his shots off midrange and scores almost 43% of his points in the paint.
Imago
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 13:
Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts after hitting a three pointer during the first quarter of the game between the Washington Wizards and the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, March 13, 2021. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Moreover, Westbrook has a shooting percentage of 63% in the restricted area for the last season. Mr. Triple Double is an aggressive player who attacks the rim like no one else can. Also, even though Westbrook is 32, he is still very much athletic.
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Russ even rivaled numbers put up by Shaq when he was on the Houston Rockets. Hence, his scoring presence truly shines in the paint, and he will have a great impact with the Lakers if he can play his natural game.
Do you think Westbrook will finally win a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers? Let us know in the comments below.
