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WATCH: Russell Westbrook Bags His First Official Points in the Los Angeles Lakers Uniform
The Lakers enjoyed a promising start to their 2021-22 regular season as they stood 59-53 ahead of the Warriors by halftime. Even better, they had their star duo in LeBron James & Anthony Davis take complete charge of the offense. However, Russell Westbrook could not add much in those initial 24 minutes.
Russ, playing alongside seasoned Lakers greats, looked a little rusty. He did not approach the rim as often as he normally would and looked less like himself. Yet, it was just his first official game as a Laker and nothing mattered because his team stood ahead of the competition.
Russell Westbrook and his first-ever bucket for the Lakers
In the preseason game against the Warriors, Russell Westbrook debuted in the Lakers jersey just last week. In that game, Russ had scored his first points with three minutes remaining in Q2 and the Lakers trailing 44-50.
Very similarly, the 32-YO took his time in the Staples Center game on October 19th too. It was not until the 20th minute into the game that Mr. Triple Double could finally score. With the Lakers only marginally ahead at 46-43, the man converted a contested layup against rookie Moses Moody. Take a look –
Russell Westbrook with his first official as a member of the Lakers!#NBATwitter #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/tVjVHb1nnW
— 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣’ 𝙉𝘽𝘼 (@_Talkin_NBA) October 20, 2021
Soon after this bucket, Russ made his second turnover as Draymond Green stole the possession from him. Later, he added to the errors as he missed a three-pointer and soon a driving hook attempt.
The Lake Show looked better than preseason
In both the preseason games against the Warriors, the Lakers had won the Q1 but lost everything post that. But this time around, they looked pretty much in command.
Although Russell Westbrook began Q3 with a personal foul and a missed jump shot, he soon got his acts together after a driving layup. By then, LeBron James, who had started the proceedings with clean 5/5 swishes, had 25 points to his name. Moreover, Anthony Davis’s 24 points, even with 0/3 from the three-point line were a relief.
Anthony Davis during a preseason game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
On the other end, the Warriors’ small ball game centered around Nemanja Bjelica and some efficient minutes from Andre Iguodala did some good to them. Even with a struggling Steph Curry, the Warriors’ 7-0 run in Q3 allowed them to tie at 61-each. However, a 7-0 reponse from the Lakers then again built the difference. With under five minutes remaining in Q3, the Lakers led 77-72.
So whom were you cheering for tonight? Help everyone know in the comments section below.
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