If there is someone Russell Westbrook can ask on how to thrive in a Big 3 with LeBron James, no one is more qualified than Dwyane Wade. Fortunately, the Los Angeles Lakers guard didn't have to ask the Miami Heat icon for any advice as Wade gave it freely on Tuesday.
In his latest appearance on NBA on TNT, Wade kept things simple for Russ. For him to be able to succeed in his pairing with James and Anthony Davis, he needs to make two adjustments: pick his spots when the two are on the floor, and be Russ when they are not.
“You have to pick your spots… when Bron and AD aren't on the floor, that's when I can be Russ,” Wade said on his advice for Westbrook.
Certainly, it's something that's easier said than done. As mentioned, however, it is not an impossible task since Dwyane Wade did it when he was with LeBron James and Chris Bosh during their time with the Heat. In fact, it might even be harder for Flash because he had to take a step-back–might be too much?–and gave the reigns to LeBron.
It worked out well in the end for Wade and the Heat, as they went on to win two more championships.




Russell Westbrook, for his part, has always been one of the focal points of the offense in the teams he played in, and it might be difficult for him to adjust given the fact that he needs the ball in his hands to make his impact. While he had his flashes of brilliance and the usual triple-double machine NBA fans used to love in recent years, his play so far has been detrimental to the team more often than not.
Fans and experts alike have noted how Westbrook thrives when playing with bench players and other role players because he can be at the center of the offense. As Wade said, it's something he can still do with the Lakers, but only when Bron and Davis rest. For the most part, he needs to find a way to be effective for the LA to be able to contribute.
"You have to pick your spots… when Bron and AD aren't on the floor, that's when I can be Russ."@DwyaneWade on what advice he'd give to Russell Westbrook pic.twitter.com/hAOOIyRtA4
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 9, 2022