It’s too early to panic about Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers.
When the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook, many were quick to question the fit. Although, the hope was that talent would win out and that he would find a way to make his presence meaningful on a roster alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
However, through two preseason games with the Lakers, it’s hard to feel anything but concerned about his potential to be a truly impactful player this season.
In two preseason games played, Westbrook is averaging just five points per game on 21 percent shooting from the field. He’s also averaging nearly eight turnovers per game. The early returns, at least, are not great.
But before Lakers fans freak out, it should be noted that it’s way too early to do so. Westbrook is trying to get his footing after the offseason and is playing in somewhat of a foreign system with entirely new players.
It’s going to take some time for him to truly adjust to the new team – it did so for him last year with the Washington Wizards as well. Even though you never want to see a player averaging more turnovers than points, even if it is just preseason, it would be unfair to expect Westbrook to come in and but a huge difference-maker, in great comfort, immediately.
It’s going to take even more time once he actually starts playing next to both LeBron and Davis too. LA’s new trio has yet to play a game together in the preseason, though the hope is that will change soon.
But even that is going to take some adjusting as well. There’s only so much you can simulate in practice. And, quite frankly, with as hard as Westbrook plays every night, I’m not sure that’s something that can carry into practice.
The turnovers are concerning for Westbrook. There’s no question. Although, let’s not say that Westbrook has lost his touch. A lot of the times turnovers are a product of trying to do too much. Simply put, that could be the very place Westbrook has found himself in during preseason.
Westbrook could end up being a huge mistake for the Lakers. But I don’t think it’s safe to assume that after just a two-game preseason sample. That’s not fair. While the early returns on Westbrook don’t appear promising, it’s also way too early to hit the panic button.