The Los Angeles Lakers came up short against the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday, but Russell Westbrook had a solid game.
Westbrook, given the responsibility of carrying the Lakers in the absence of LeBron James, has largely been inconsistent this season.
Sometimes Westbrook will come out aggressively and punish defenders by attacking the rim. Other times, he’ll be passive and settle for contested jumpers instead of solidifying himself on both ends of the court.
Going up against Jrue Holiday, Westbrook constructed a strong 19-point, 15-assist outing — a season-high total — while turning the rock over just three times. He also hit 2-of-5 3s.
Though the Lakers ran out of gas in the end, head coach Frank Vogel believed Westbrook had his best game in the purple and gold.
“I think Russell Westbrook had his best game as a Laker tonight with 15 assists to 3 turnovers,” Vogel said after the game.
Vogel added how Westbrook, along with Anthony Davis, is benefiting from the extra floor spacing when the Lakers run a small lineup.
The small lineups should improve when LeBron and Trevor Ariza return to action. The floor spacing will remain intact, but the size on defense will increase.
