While the free agency has not even opened its doors yet, the Lakers have already struck a big blow by recovering Russell Westbrook via a trade. However, not all believe in the success of the new Big Three angelino… An NBA analyst notably explained that the competition had something to celebrate!
They wanted a third superstar alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers got it with Russell Westbrook. The former Wizards point guard arrives without his native California to form a trio of monstrous superstars on paper, aiming for the ring as early as next year. We say well on paper, because not everyone believes in the success of the move …
Indeed, several observers have already indicated that the association of Brodie with the two Angelino behemoths was far from an ideal scenario for the Purple and Gold franchise. Chris Broussard, journalist for Fox Sports, notably expressed his doubts about the show The Association. He thus evokes a particularly important point of the game of the three athletes:
« Overall I don’t like the move. None of them are great 3-point shooters. None of them. This is a chemistry experiment that makes Brooklyn look like a match made in heaven. » @Chris_Broussard gives his thoughts on the @russwest44 to the @Lakers trade that went down on Draft Night pic.twitter.com/rHsquNG66G
— The Association on FOX (@TheAssociation) July 30, 2021
Of course, it’ll shake up the Staples Center. At least for the first two months or so. But overall, I don’t like this move. Neither of them is a great 3-point shooter. None of them. It’s an alchemy experience that makes Brooklyn look like a perfect pairing of players.
The words are harsh, but Broussard is not particularly wrong. Between Westbrook, James and Davis, we can not say that the new Big Three shines by its effectiveness from afar in his career. This poses all the more problem as the distribution of the balls will be a key factor of its success, RW having had an incredible use rate over the last seasons. We’ll have to learn to reduce him now that he’s playing with LeBron …
Truth be told, all of this is reminiscent of the King’s first season in LA, in 2018-19. The front office then decided to surround it with game creators, in order to relieve it of certain responsibilities. Unfortunately, the then roster had proved to be far too weak in terms of outside shooting, and LBJ’s injury had strived to end a failed season. Could we see a remake in 2021-22?
It’s going to be a while before Russell Westbrook’s arrival at the Lakers is convincing to everyone. The three Californian superstars, but also the franchise, will a priori have to live with doubts until they can obtain a title …
