This season, Russell Westbrook’s first two games for the Los Angeles Lakers have been an emotional rollercoaster. Westbrook performed admirably in the team’s regular-season opener, especially as a substitute. In their game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Westbrook continued many of the positive traits he displayed in Game 1.
Well, everything but his sad shooting. The second game of the 2022–23 season was a complete shooting disaster for Russell Westbrook. The Lakers point guard had a game-high dreadful field goal percentage of 0-for-11. It was the first time in NBA history that a player achieved this milestone TWICE in their career, nearly a decade apart from one another.
ESPN Stats and Information
In two games played more than a decade apart, (Russell) Westbrook is the first player in NBA history to shoot 0-for-11 or worse.
It’s unfortunate because, despite his godawful shooting, Westbrook generally performed well for the Lakers. There was the same bizarre passing and decision-making that we are used to seeing. Nevertheless, they occurred less frequently during the majority of the game. Westbrook’s defensive tenacity was also on full display as he at least twice locked up Kawhi Leonard.
Even so early in the season, the Lakers fan base is already in a panic. Of course, Westbrook’s and the team’s shooting is concerning. Overall, the squad is already in a lot better position than they were at this time last year. Their defence has already improved dramatically from what it was last season. Expect the Ws to pile up for the Lakeshow if they can figure out this thing called “outside shooting” (either through trade or internal improvement).
Russell Westbrook joins a depressing league of his own with a terrible NBA record, according to ClutchPoints.
