Locked On Lakers podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA. Hosts Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, who have covered the Purple and Gold since 2005 for media outlets including the LA Times, ESPN and The Athletic, offer traditional journalism, informal commentary, and offbeat humor to provide expert, local analysis. Locked On Lakers takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Lakers locker room and all over the NBA. The Locked On Lakers podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.
https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-lakers/
episode 1301: "Let Russ Be Russ?" Can Russell Westbrook Play His Way and Still Help The Lakers?
Russell Westbrook is nothing if not a polarizing player. As such, given how badly he played on Christmas against the Nets, perhaps the most disappointing of L.A.'s five straight losses, and the team's poor start overall, and it's no surprise to see him at the center of some negative talk.
How negative, one asks?
Well, two Monday articles floated the idea of trading him for John Wall, despite the two being fairly similar players (they've already been traded for each other!), and that Houston's point guard is more injury-prone. This swap feels unlikely, but that it's even a topic du jour speaks to shrinking confidence in Westbrook's fit with the Lakers.
Frankly, it's still an open question as to how best to even utilize The Brodie. Westbrook shared thoughts after Monday's practice (and fans should definitely listen), but the crux of his comments boil down to him thinking he's the best expert on how he should play. In other words, Let Russ decide what it means to "let Russ be Russ." To put it mildly, there's a lot to unpack.
Plus, Andy offers a trend that could explain in part the Lakers' recent offensive struggles... and Russ is in the middle of it.
Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
Segment 1: "Westbrook for Wall" chatter, and Russ' post-practice comments.
Segment 2: More on Russ' comments, and whether he's capable, much less willing, of adjusting his game.
Segment 3: A bad stat trend that traces back to Russ, plus.. more Westbrook talk!!!
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