It’s mostly been a season to forget for Russell Westbrook.
In his first year with the Lakers, the nine-time All-Star and former MVP has had one of the worst shooting campaigns of his probable Hall of Fame career. His mere 18 points a game is his lowest average since he was a 20-year-old doe-eyed rookie with the Thunder. Try as he might, with the regular season almost reaching its merciful conclusion, Westbrook hasn’t been able to find a consistent rhythm.
It doesn’t help that his struggles have come amidst a historically poor year for the Lakers.
On Friday night, with another disappointing defeat staring the Lakers in the face in Toronto, they needed a hero to force overtime. Contrary to popular belief, that can’t always be LeBron James. Someone else has to step up from time to time.
I don’t believe anyone thought that it would be Westbrook.
Russell Westbrook ties the game with 0.4 seconds left in the game! 🤯 #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/xXZyjp3Hdu
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 19, 2022
Good for you, Russ. Way to take advantage of the moment. The Lakers might be down (really, really down), but they are not yet out. After Westbrook saved their butts and forced overtime, the purple and gold went on to win 128-123. They never get the chance if Westbrook doesn’t take to the spotlight well.
And while no one will confuse Westbrook’s clutch three with 0.4 seconds left for another famous L.A. three with 0.4 seconds left, the Lakers needed this shot. After the year he’s endured, Westbrook might have needed this shot even more. They’re still capable of surprises there in SoCal, aren’t they?
