The awkward match of Russell Westbrook was one of many many the explanation why the Los Angeles Lakers discovered themselves on the surface trying in of the playoffs. After sacrificing depth for star energy, the previous MVP struggled to slot in subsequent to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

From the beginning, many questioned how Russell Westbrook was going to make it work on the Lakers. Between being a ball-dominant guard for many of his profession and a weak three-point shooter, he’s the precise reverse participant archetype to place subsequent to LeBron.

Russell Westbrook ending the season with averages of 18.5 factors, 7.four rebounds, and seven.1 assists. This scoring mark is the bottom of his profession since his second 12 months within the league again in 2010.

Whereas many have been fast to slander the Lakers guard, one analyst got here to the protection of Russell Westbrook. Antonio Daniels feels the nine-time All-Star deserves extra credit score for the work he put on this season.

“We have turn into proof against greatness… He deserves a bit extra credit score. In a time in immediately’s NBA that is about load administration, that is about taking day off, he performed 78 video games man. He deserves some credit score for that versus individuals continuously worrying with what he didn’t do.”

Does Russell Westbrook deserve extra credit score for his season with the Lakers?

Antonio Daniels does convey up a sound level. It is uncommon for star gamers to be a nightly fixture within the lineup, and regardless of his infinite criticism, Russell Westbrook was at all times on the market for the Lakers. Taking a look at his counterparts, LeBron James appeared in 56 video games whereas Anthony Davis performed in 40.

So much might be mentioned about how Westbrook performed for the Lakers this 12 months, however no one can say he wasn’t dedicated to his group. His sturdy aggressive nature continues to be there, and him being on the court docket each evening is a testomony to that.

Because the previous saying goes, one of the best skill is availability. It might have been simple for him to load handle himself because the Lakers’ season went off the rails, however he insisted on being on the market nightly.

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There’s nonetheless some criticisms that may be made, however Daniels is correct in a way. Westbrook does deserve some credit score for being an ironman for the Lakers this season. Nevertheless, being accessible for each sport doesn’t overshadow the tweaks in his sport he must make if he needs to show issues round at this late stage in his profession.