Russell Westbrook’s energy remains one of his most unique attributes and his new teammates expect it to be contagious this season.
Russell Westbrook’s arrival in Los Angeles has been largely characterized by speculation regarding the ways in which the enigmatic guard will need to modify and adapt his game to suit with the Lakers, who are less than a year removed from winning the NBA championship. Thus far, Westbrook has expressed both a desire and a necessity to make concessions with regard to certain aspects of his game this season in an effort to win his first championship.
However, less attention has been paid to what Westbrook can contribute to the Lakers in terms of qualities other than X’s and O’s. Since time immemorial, Westbrook’s exceptional qualities have been his dynamism and vitality. Westbrook, who is joining his fourth franchise in a span of years, will endeavor to infuse that fervor and vigor into yet another organization, this time filled with an unprecedented number of titans and talent.
“That’s what I bring to the table,” Westbrook stated last week following practice. “One aspect that I am particularly proud of is ensuring that I contribute energy, effort, speed, and pace each and every night. In addition, I strive to continue guiding and supporting those individuals throughout the process.”
This enthusiasm was a factor in James’ decision to pursue Westbrook via trade this summer, and it has already begun to influence him prior to the commencement of training camp, given the extensive workouts they shared this summer.
“Russ must remain Russ in all that he does,” James stated during media day. “Russ is not someone we needed to change for, which is precisely why we acquired him.” He will be as dynamic as ever before, which I eagerly anticipate, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure he feels at ease in our system.
“He is extremely enthusiastic about putting in the effort, enthusiastic about his craft, and extremely enthusiastic about the sport,” James continued. “I am able to respect each of those qualities. We have been practically joined at the hip ever since the acquisition was completed, and this trend will likely continue.
Now that the Lakers have had a chance to see Westbrook in action on the court, the excitement has only grown.
“I like teammates who want to push me,” said Westbrook’s other Lakers co-star, Anthony Davis. “I want guys to tell me when I’m messing up. Me and Russ had numerous times conversations in this first practice alone about things that we can do together as a duo when we’re both on the floor. That’s what I want and I got six, seven guys that’s going at it. Russ, Bron, (Rondo), (Melo), DJ, Dwight. I got numerous guys that’s always in my ear about things. You can’t ask for more as a player who wants to get better.”
At each of his stops in recent years, Westbrook’s relentless energy has rubbed off on his teammates. It’s not a coincidence, as Westbrook has consistently embraced that role, and his tenure with the Lakers will be no different.
“When you come to a team and guys welcome you with open arms… to me I just take it as a sense of, I know I have a job, I know I have to go out and compete, but alongside it I’m going to make sure that I take that and that I make those guys better,” Westbrook said. “My job is to make sure that LeBron, AD, those guys are competing at the highest level and making sure that I make my teammates around me better.”
Westbrook’s energy will certainly be amplified this season by playing back in his hometown in front of fans, supporters that will be excited not just for his return to Los Angeles, but their return to the stadium. If he can inject that sort of passion into the Lakers this season and, specifically, their superstars, this contender could be elevated to another level.
