"Sports Illustrated" reporter Wei Wei Shao: The Lakers should have hidden him at a critical moment

Tiger Punch, January 21, 2019 Today, sports illustrated NBA reporters discussed Lakers guard Russell Westbrook.

Can the Lakers make Westbrook work?

Howard Beck: "They should try to stagger leBron (James) and Wisbrook's playing time so that Westbrook can do what he does best — take possession and create scoring opportunities. They should have Westbrook on the bench in the closing stages of most games, as they did on Wednesday night, to guarantee better pitch space and defensive quality on the court. And Westbrook should cut back on shots, especially from long range, especially as the scores approach in the fourth quarter. Please don't laugh. ”

Chris Mannix: "I can't think of anything I can do. Westbrook was angry about being replaced to sit on the bench at a crucial moment in Wednesday's game losing to the Pacers, but the replacement of Westbrook at a crucial moment should have happened sooner. He shot 43 percent from the field, 30 percent from three-point range, and averaged more than four turnovers per game. You can't leave this kind of player on the court, no matter how big a name he is. Westbrook may not like that — no, Westbrook certainly won't — but the Lakers' fourth-quarter all-time lineup doesn't include him. ”

Michael Pina: "Probably not, unless he can complete a miracle deal that brings really useful people, and Westbrook is happy with his own reduced playing time/possession/duties." Since day 1, the 'Please check the engine' warning light has been flashing continuously, and now it has reached the point where the hood is smoking. In a limited sample, the Lakers performed well in small lineups of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Westbrook at the same time, but the problem was 1) those lineups could not play 48 minutes; 2) Westbrook's weaknesses on both ends of the offensive and defensive ends would fester throughout the key moments of the playoffs — assuming the Lakers could make the playoffs. ”

Rohan Nadkarni: "We've been asking this question for five years about Westbrook. At some point, it's up to him to make himself effective in the team. After losing to the Pacers, Westbrook didn't play the last few minutes of the game, leaving the court early and not giving a media interview. I applaud Vogel for finally ending a game without Westbrook, which is easier said than done because making that kind of decision requires you to balance all the parties in the team. What is needed now is for Westbrook to accept his role shift, even if the role is not commensurate with his salary and previous successes. ”

Robin Lundberg: "It doesn't look like there's a team that can really make Westbrook work. He will always have a resume of averaging triple-doubles per game. But despite playing for so many teams and partnering with so many superstars, he can constantly damage his winnings, which will definitely stain his career achievements. Westbrook's decision-making skills in key moments, apathetic defensive attitude and lack of shooting feel are enough to offset his positive contribution. ”