LA Clippers: 3 reasons why Russell Westbrook could work for the Clippers

LA Clippers: 3 reasons Russell Westbrook could work for the contending Clippers

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 30: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 30, 2023 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Lakers 121-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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Russell Westbrook (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

2. Russ gives the Clippers another playmaker

Frankly put, the Clippers could use another playmaker to help take the weight off the shoulders of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Especially with those two not always playing. Even when they do both play, having a third player that Lue can trust to bring the ball upcourt and initiate the offense will go a long way. It would also serve to help save the legs on Leonard and George a bit in the added possessions where they can play off-ball.

We’ve also seen what Westbrook and George look like on the floor together (they played on the Thunder for two years together), and George had the best year of his career scoring-wise playing alongside Westbrook (averaged 28 points per game in 2018/19).

While I think we will see more Leonard and George down the stretch as the games get more and more important, both players will likely miss some time down the stretch (as they have throughout this season dealing with nagging injuries and load management). As you could expect, the Clippers have struggled mightily when they’ve had to play without one or both of their top two players.

To put things into perspective, the Clippers are just 10-17 in games where Leonard doesn’t play, and have lost five straight of those affairs. The Clippers are also just 6-11 in games where Paul George doesn’t play. Comparatively, LAC is 23-11 with Leonard in the lineup and 27-17 when they have George.

What about games where BOTH Leonard and George miss? That number is even more staggering, the Clippers are just 2-9 when they are without both players. Westbrook could help stabilize the Clippers if either Leonard or George has to miss a game, which will help the team as they are in a tight race in the middle of the West (LA is just one game back of the 3-seed, but are also just three games ahead of the 10-seed).