Lakers coach blames Russell Westbrook’s debut

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NBA Analysis Network

The Los Angeles Lakers had a tough NBA season opener against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. The Warriors came to the STAPLES Center and came away with a 121-114 win.

One of the main reasons for the Lakers’ loss is that their supporting cast hasn’t grown in the same way that the Warriors have. Golden State received contributions at all levels, while LeBron James and Anthony Davis did all of the heavy lifting for Los Angeles.

The duo LeBron James and Anthony Davis were the only Laker players to score in double digits, having accumulated 67 points. It was a rather disappointing start for new team leader Russell Westbrook.

Westbrook was acquired by the Lakers this offseason in a trade with the Washington Wizards. Considering the role he had played in previous teams, everyone knew there would be an adjustment with the Lakers. Having three players used to dominating the ball at Westbrook, James and Davis is something that will take time to come together.

LATEST NBA NEWS & BUSINESS RUMORS: Russell Westbrook gets brutally honest after struggling for his Lakers debut

In his debut in purple and gold, Westbrook played 35 minutes, rising to 4 of 13 from the field for eight points. He added five rebounds and four assists, but also returned the ball four times, finishing with the worst ratio of -23 over / under.

While Westbrook would have liked to perform better, head coach Frank Vogel took the blame. After reviewing the tape he said it was on him for the wrong Westbrook play.

“[Westbrook played] pretty good, ”Vogel said after practice Thursday when asked what the Lakers’ major offseason acquisition looked like in his review of the movie of the game. “We didn’t involve him enough, and it’s up to me. We keep looking at situations to make it useful and not stray from what [Anthony Davis] and [LeBron James] done.

“These guys obviously went for it, but I didn’t do a good enough job getting Russ to start, and that’s an easy fix. Something that we are familiar with and watch every day and feel a little more comfortable with.

LATEST NBA NEWS & BUSINESS RUMORS: Russell Westbrook gets brutally honest after struggling for his Lakers debut

Westbrook is still looking for his way and his place with his new team. He will not have the rate of use he has had in years past when he averaged triple-doubles for a season. But, he will eventually find his place with Los Angeles.

Winning some matches will also make things easier. Russell Westbrook is so far winless in his Los Angeles Lakers career, as the team also recorded a 0-6 record in the preseason.

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