It is tough to take anything concrete from the NBA preseason. Teams are learning the tendencies of new players and building chemistry with each other. Coaches are trying out different lineup combinations to see what could lead to the most success during the regular season.
At the end of the day, the games don’t count so you are looking more at execution and how the team is coming together. For the Los Angeles Lakers, there could be a lot to draw from their preseason games.
They are 1-4 with one game remaining, but the record isn’t as important as what seems to be some already eroding team chemistry. During their most recent preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a video has gone viral that does not paint a pretty picture for the purple and gold.
With the Timberwolves heading to the foul line early in the third quarter, Patrick Beverley brought the team together in a huddle. This is pretty common in the NBA and as someone that has preached holding each other accountable, it should come as no surprise that Beverley was leading this.
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However, what made this clip go viral was the fact that one player was conspicuously absent from the huddle. Off the screen was Russell Westbrook, who was being urged to join the group by Beverley.
Beverly motioned to him numerous times and Anthony Davis also went over and talked to him. Westbrook never joined the huddle, taking his spot along the foul line in preparation for the foul shots coming.
That is certainly not a good look for Westbrook, who is not guaranteed a starting spot and needs to show that deserves a spot in this lineup. He said that he was coming into the regular season with a different mindset, but displays like that aren’t going to endear him to anyone.
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While not partaking in a huddle before a free throw may not be seen as much by some people, it is something that his teammates will take notice of as the Lakers try to change the culture and get things back on track this season.
It is a bad look overall for Westbrook following what was arguably the worst season of his professional career.
