Los Angeles Lakers: Has Russell Westbrook found his footing as a bench player?

Russell Westbrook may have found his footing as a bench player for the Los Angeles Lakers. 

At 2-6, there is not much to feel good about when it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers. Anthony Davis is already hobbled and has been in and out of the lineup, LeBron James is beginning to show the early signs of Father Time, and the team’s supporting cast hasn’t been an upgrade compared to last season.

Though, after a terrible start to the season, there are some glimpses of hope regarding Russell Westbrook. Westbrook was recently moved to the bench and over the last four games (since the move to come off the bench), he’s looked like a very different player.

In the last four games, Westbrook is averaging 19 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds per game on 51 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from 3-point range. As a team, the Lakers are 2-2 in those contests.

If nothing else, this is certainly a positive sign for both Westbrook and the Lakers. The challenge for both sides revolves around building off the last four games. And if they can do that, what awaits for both sides in the future?

Will his recent play improve Russell Westbrook’s trade value?

Based on his recent play, you can’t help but wonder if Westbrook’s trade value will improve over the course of the next few weeks if he continues to play at his level. If that ends up being true, it will be a huge win for the Lakers as a whole.

The growing thought is that Russ is going to be traded at some point before the NBA Trade Deadline. But, at least for now, it doesn’t seem like he’s going to warrant much value in return for the Lakers.

But, and this is indeed a big “but,” if Westbrook can continue to look better and better as the season goes on off the bench, and if he continues to be OK with coming off the bench, it will be interesting if his trade value begins to change.

At the very least, it’s something to monitor over the next few weeks. The good news is that we’re seeing a much better Westbrook. He may have found a role that has rejuvenated his game. That would be quite the revelation if so.