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Much of the attention surrounding Russell Westbrook’s arrival in Los Angeles has been focused on how the enigmatic guard will need to bend and mold his game to fit the Lakers, who are less than a year away. ‘an NBA title. At this point, Westbrook has recognized the need (and desire) to sacrifice elements of his game this season as he seeks to win his first title.
But what hasn’t been discussed as much is what Westbrook can bring to the Lakers, especially when it comes to the non-X and O aspect. What has long made Westbrook unique is his motor skills. and its energy level. As he joins his fourth team in as many years, Westbrook will look to inject that energy and enthusiasm into another franchise, this one with more superstars and talent than ever before.
“That’s what I bring to the table,” Westbrook said after practice last week. “It’s one of my things that I’m proud of, making sure that every night I bring in energy, effort, speed and pace, and along with that I make sure that I can continue to bring these guys with them and help them along the way. “
This passion is part of what prompted James to seek out Westbrook via trade this summer, and it’s something that has already rubbed off on him even before training camp began as the two worked a lot together this summer. .
“As far as Russ is concerned, we need Russ to be Russ,” James said on media day. “We don’t need Russ to change for anyone, that’s why we got him. And it’s our job to all help him feel comfortable in our system, and he is going to be as dynamic as it always has been, so I’m looking forward to that.
“He is very passionate about the sport, passionate about his job and very passionate about the job,” continued James. “I can respect all of these things. We’ve been hip-related pretty much since we acquired it, and we’ll continue to do so.
Now that the Lakers have had the chance to see Westbrook in action on the pitch, the excitement has only grown.
“I like teammates who want to push me,” said Anthony Davis, the other Westbrook Lakers co-star. “I want guys to tell me when I’m wrong. Russ and I had a lot of conversations in that first practice alone about things we can do together as a duo when we’re both on the ground. This is what I want and I have six, seven guys going. Russ, Bron, (Rondo), (Melo), DJ, Dwight. I have a lot of guys who are always by my ear about things. You can’t ask for more as a player who wants to improve.
With each of his stops in recent years, Westbrook’s relentless energy has rubbed off on his teammates. This is no coincidence, as Westbrook has always embraced this role, and his tenure with the Lakers will be no different.
“When you come into a team and the guys welcome you with open arms… I’m going to make sure I take that and make these guys better,” Westbrook said. “My job is to make sure LeBron, AD, these guys compete at the highest level and to make my teammates around me better.”
Westbrook’s energy will certainly be amplified this season as he reenacts in his hometown in front of fans, supporters who will be delighted not only with his return to Los Angeles, but their return to the stadium. If he can inject that kind of passion into the Lakers this season and, in particular, their superstars, this contender could be elevated to another level.
For more Lakers talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on itunes, Spotify, Stapler Where Google Podcasts. You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.
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