Los Angeles Lakers need steady play from Russell Westbrook with roster depleted, acting head coach David Fizdale says
The Los Angeles Lakers have dropped three straight games, have four players and their head coach in the NBA's health and safety protocols, and are still dealing with the news that Anthony Davis will miss at least a month due to a sprained MCL in his left knee.
Russell Westbrook, the team's former MVP and nine-time All-Star, has taken it upon himself to drag them out of the dilemma they've found themselves in.
Acting head coach David Fizdale, standing in for Frank Vogel as he recovers from COVID-19, believes the Lakers don't need Westbrook to ride up on his white horse and save the day. Instead, they only require consistent play from their point guard.
"I think the conditions over the last few games, with so many individuals in and out, triggered in him that he had to save us," Fizdale said after practice Wednesday on a video conference call with reporters.
In the two games since Davis' injury, Westbrook has averaged 21 points, 9.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.0 steals, but he's also averaging 6.5 turnovers.
The turnovers stymie the Lakers on both ends, robbing them of good scoring opportunities on offense and leaving their defense in vulnerable positions when the opponent attacks in transition.
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Mike Schmitz and Jonathan Givony While Westbrook may be pressing the issue, Fizdale believes the entire squad has contributed to the recent miscues.
"He was maybe moving too fast or trying to press when things weren't there on some of his plays," Fizdale said. "And, once again, these are issues that we [discussed]." We had a terrific time filming. Guys are incredibly open and receptive, and we were talking about how to make connections. What are our options for [doing this right?] Instead of this play, what can we do to improve our offensive fundamentals to get a terrific shot? How can we leverage your ability to attract all of these players to ensure that we get a quality picture?
"And so, offensively, that's what the whole film session was about, and a lot of this stuff is connection," she says.
Lakers forward Trevor Ariza said Wednesday's video review was beneficial. The team tries to fix the wrongs from its last three losses to Minnesota, Chicago, and Phoenix ahead of Thursday's home game against the San Antonio Spurs.
"I'm simply looking at my spacing and things I can improve to give our players more room and help them out." When asked about issues pointed out on film, Ariza remarked on a video conference call, "Some of my methods, my angles, I need to adjust to get it right so I can be a bit better on the defensive end." "However, it is direct." It's effective. We'll need it since we don't have much practice time."
And the Lakers aren't sure where the season will go from here. The Spurs will play the Brooklyn Nets on Christmas Day after the Spurs game. Thursday, the league postponed the Nets' game against the Portland Trail Blazers because so many Brooklyn players are in protocol.
"You're just taking it and going with the flow; you have no idea what's going onto happen."
On a video conference call on Wednesday, Carmelo Anthony remarked. "We could wake up tomorrow morning to find out our game has been cancelled." We have no idea what will happen, so we're just taking things daily and trying to keep on top of what we need to remain on top of.
"However, as we can see, it affects everyone." It affects a wide range of people, including those vaccinated and those who have received booster shots, so you never know what will happen."
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