The Los Angeles Lakers have lost four straight games now as they continue their downward spiral in what has been a truly disappointing season for one of the most esteemed franchises in NBA history. This does not come as a surprise considering how LeBron James has missed all but one of these four losses. What has actually been quite intriguing is the fact that Russell Westbrook is currently on one of his best stretches of games this season.

It's no coincidence that Russ has been balling in games that do not feature both LeBron and Anthony Davis. Both players are still nursing injuries and with both superstars watching from the bench, Westbrook has unsurprisingly been effective as the Lakers' primary ball-handler and playmaker. In the past four games, Russ has put up averages of 22.8 points on 51.4 percent shooting, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, while also knocking down 1.3 triples per game.

Westbrook recently spoke out about the challenges of playing alongside LeBron and AD. At this point, the former league MVP is hopeful that he's able to keep up his strong play once both superstars return to action:

“Yeah, that’s the challenge,” Westbrook told Chris Haynes Yahoo Sports. “For me, I just got to find ways to be able to affect the game and figure out a way to be able to implement all of our guys so we can make a run, get into the playoffs and hopefully get a championship. My challenge as the point guard is to be able to implement everyone else, and I’ll try to do it the best way I can.”

There's no denying that Russell Westbrook is in the midst of one of the worst seasons of his decorated career. It is also true, however, that there are a number of external factors that have led to Westbrook's poor play this season. One of the most significant aspects that must not be ignored is the fact that Russ has always operated as a ball-dominant point guard. He's been asked to make major adjustments to his game as soon as he arrived in Hollywood now that he's sharing the ball with LeBron and AD. Then again, you could also say that both Russ and the Lakers knew what they were signing up for when they pulled the trigger on Westbrook's trade from the Washington Wizards last summer.

Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers
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Be that as it may, Russ remains confident in his own abilities as a player. In his mind, he knows that he isn't going to let all the noise affect him. He's been through adversities in the past and he has always shown his resilience.

“Just being in better position on the floor and just turning the page on whatever happened,” Westbrook told Yahoo Sports as to why he’s playing better. “It’s about finding a way to be effective. It’s still a little bit difficult at times, but I’m just trying to play the best way I know how to play regardless of the situation. Just trying to continue competing.”

Throughout this entire ordeal, Westbrook has remained as strong as a rock. He has had a handful of unsavory moments with the media this season which was likely brought about by all the slander that has been thrown in his direction. At the end of the day, Westbrook is human too and there's just no way that all the hate isn't affecting him and his family.

Be that as it may, Russ has kept his feet on the ground. The Lakers point guard revealed how he's continuously pulled strength from his family and his faith:

“My family is my foundation,” Westbrook said. “My faith is my No. 1 foundation, and I lean on that. And anything outside of that can never waver me because I got so much confidence in those two things that regardless of whatever may come my way, I know I’m able to achieve and show people that regardless of the situation, you can make it out of this. That was really important to me.”

The Lakers are still fighting for a spot in the Play-in game and their fate will be decided in the coming weeks. There's still the matter of the playoffs, but the harsh reality is that many folks believe that the season is over for LA.

For his part, Westbrook is set to face an even harder offseason ahead. It's no secret that the Lakers will, at the very least, gauge the market for a potential deal that could see them offload the 33-year-old. Things could change drastically for Russ within the next few months.