The Los Angeles Lakers are on a three-game losing streak after falling to the Philadelphia 76ers, 113-112, in the final seconds of Sunday’s contest at Crypto.com Arena.
The team is well within striking distance of a play-in spot and even making the playoffs outright, as it is just three games behind the sixth-place Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference. But time is slowly starting to run out for the Lakers.
Lost in the anxiety of their current dry spell is the play of Russell Westbrook, which has arguably hit a peak.
In his last six games, he has averaged 22.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists per contest while shooting 47.1% overall and 40% from 3-point range.
In addition, he achieved a unique milestone on Sunday versus Philly by tallying 20 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists.
Russell Westbrook now has the most triple-doubles off the bench in NBA history…
Insane!! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/UusMrAp7ZO
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 16, 2023
Many believe Westbrook is the front-runner for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Even if he doesn’t win it, there is no doubt he has mounted an incredible turnaround since being moved to the bench in early November.