As the 2021-22 NBA season unfolded, it was starting to look like a slow-motion nightmare for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Several key players missed significant time in October and November, including LeBron James, who was out for 10 of the team’s first 16 games because of a sprained ankle and ab injury.
Shortly after James returned to the lineup, he got into an altercation with the Detroit Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart on Nov. 21 and was ejected early in the third quarter, leaving the Lakers without their leader.
Russell Westbrook was already the subject of lots of criticism for their dismal 8-9 record, but on that day, he answered his naysayers.
He took over the contest, putting up 15 points, five rebounds and six assists in the fourth quarter to help L.A. overcome a 99-84 deficit at the start of the period.
Overall, Westbrook had 26 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists to lead his team to a 121-116 win.
It was one of the few times all season where it felt like, beyond a shadow of a doubt, Westbrook was worth the assets the Lakers gave up to get him.
