Russell Westbrook has been the mascot for the Los Angeles Lakers' chaotic season. His unhinged playstyle is a perfect match for a team with so much drama. This past week has been especially dramatic but it ended on a high note.
In a 116-105 win over the Orlando Magic, Westbrook recorded 18 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and three steals. More notably, he shot 8-17 from the field, though it didn't stop him from throwing up one of his most embarrassing bricks of the season.
LeBron James called Westbrook the “head of the snake” after his dominant performance in the Lakers' win over the Magic.
.@KingJames (29 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST) reflects on Russell Westbrook and Stanley Johnson's contributions in tonight's 116-105 #LakeShow win. pic.twitter.com/rB5FEN79wT
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 22, 2022
James has stood up for Westbrook before but it hasn't quelled the Lakers' dissatisfaction in him. A crunch-time benching in a loss followed by even more trade rumors have made it a very distressing week for Westbrook. Still, he handled himself with class and played a big part in a much-needed win.
Los Angeles' 23-23 record is good enough for just seventh place in the Western Conference. The trade deadline could be a big one for them. They have an interest in getting into the sweepstakes for Jerami Grant but may need to pull a lot of strings in order to make a trade happen.
The likelihood of Westbrook having a future with the Lakers has only shrunk as the season goes on.
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