Westbrook finished well with 20 points, four rebounds and four assists in the Lakers' victory over the Warriors to end a four-game losing streak, but fans who have watched the game will find that the NBA's all-time triple-double king's performance has not improved significantly. After nearly a season of painful running-in, it looks like Westbrook and the Lakers coaching staff have reached a compromise to reduce mid-range shots and reduce possession, but even then the Lakers are not on the right track. Before defeating the Warriors with James' miraculous 56-point performance, the Lakers lost eight of ten games and won only two, a situation that was clearly dangerous at the end of the NBA regular season in less than a month. Faced with tremendous pressure to advance to the playoffs, the Lakers' crisis is much more than that of the moment. According to Los Angeles Times reporter Turner, Westbrook's relationship with lakers management and coaching staff has been completely broken.
According to the report of this veteran reporter, there has been a very serious discussion within the Lakers about the issue of Westbrook's replacement recently, and finally from the top to the coaching staff and even the players, Westbrook should play as a substitute. But when Vogel relayed the decision to Westbrook, the former All-Star was clearly very resistant to coming off the bench and even broke with the team. In the game against the Warriors, Vogel was pressured by many parties to choose to continue to let Westbrook start the game. But in fact, Westbrook played only 32 minutes, only in the third and fourth positions of the team. In order to increase the intensity of the game and maintain strength, the Lakers have changed the rotation lineup to a nine-man rotation, and in this case, Westbrook's playing time is only third and fourth, which is enough to explain the problem. Apparently, the former MVP has become a fake starter.
In fact, it is not the first time that Westbrook has had problems with the Lakers' coaching staff, and he has publicly stated in the middle of the season that he has "not found his role yet." Obviously, Westbrook was also frustrated with his poor performance, but he always thought it should be the responsibility of the coaching staff. At a recent press conference, Westbrook was even more blunt that "his role changes every night." According to ESPN, the Lakers will not replace coach Vogel before the end of the season. Combined with the rumors of the Lakers and Major General Wei's peaceful breakup after the season exposed by the open-air stands, it is not difficult to see that the Lakers chose the latter between Westbrook and Vogel.
In fact, the Lakers will have their best reinforcement opportunities in recent seasons in the offseason after the season. Compared to hierjld, DeRozan and Westbrook last year, the Lakers will have a chance to get Brogdon, Bill and even Lillard, who are more suitable for the Lakers' star point guards in this offseason. The Pacers and Wizards have one thing in common, and they've all clearly begun to rebuild. Under such circumstances, the Lakers' future first-round signing and Westbrook's expiring contract will be much more attractive to them than this season. If James can stay in shape in the new season and Anthony Davis can stay healthy, bringing in a point guard with passing ability can obviously maximize the Lakers' advantage. All in all, the story of Westbrook and the Lakers is nearing the end, but the Lakers' James era has not come to an end. Do fans and friends think the Purple and Gold Legion still has a chance to chase the championship? Welcome to discuss and communicate in the comments section!