Warriors Expose The Russell Westbrook Problem

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Hey, it's only the first game... but Coach Nick broke down what happened with Russell Westbrook and how he fits alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Warriors capitalized, and despite dominant games by both LBJ and AD, won the game going away.
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BBallBreakdown is devoted to deep-dive analysis of NBA basketball gameplay. If you're a coach or a player, check out the MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP - filled with an ever growing library of on court demos designed to help you improve your play and your coaching! Giving fans a taste of a pro coach's film session, host Coach Nick breaks down fundamentals, play calling, offense, defense, shooting form, officiating, and everything else basketball. In addition, see exclusive interviews with NBA players and coaches, from active super stars to retired legends.

[@johnwayne4024]

Lmao. They literally make him the target in their successful playoff run vs the rockets yet now they take him with fully aware of his weakness. Lakers reallyy played themselves this year

[@MarcusLeonard307]

Yea Frank Vogel must have had no say in this stupid trade. Any fool off the street can see that Russ is a terrible fit on this team.

[@glovs4188]

@@MarcusLeonard307 russ is a terrible fit k. Any team really. 😂

[@glovs4188]

@Matriks why do you need an offensive coach when you play the lebron system anyway.

[@Invictum594]

I swear the front office for the Lakers doesn’t watch other teams play during the season. Drummond was obviously bad. Westbrook and Melo are even worse.

[@sankeerthkoshy61]

Westbrook was injured in that season

[@zego324]

The problem with Russell Westbrook is that Russell Westbrook does not think there is a problem

[@gators9570]

Fr at this point I’m assuming Westbrook has a bad shooting night and thinks to himself “I need to shoot better next game” with no further thought on how to do that

[@mpix00]

Exactly! All those triple doubles have infected his mind and his mind is the problem! He thinks he is better than he is and when it comes to a Championship team, you need to function as a team with chemistry over a one on one aging mind set. The Lakers need to learn how to become a Team.

[@davidhill7071]

Plus he can't do anything else to affect the outcome of the game. No good defense or anything else.

[@chitownkidd33]

Most overrated player of all time.

[@mrmacross]

@Error Report And the enabling continued in Washington. If there's one thing I'm happy about this trade to LAL, the guy in charge (LeBron) is not going to say, "Russ, we will make sure you get your stats. Take the ball and AD and I will box out so you get nine defensive rebounds per game."

[@zakisyawie8934]

9:13 "It is unclear what his intentions were." That pretty much sums up Russ's every play

[@thecpalumbo]

Lmao true

[@kingtutmano]

Can you do better than Westbrook 😂😂 level up or close your fly trap 🤔

[@nickshelton8423]

@@kingtutmano I could certainly be a more disciplined player. That’s not tough. I do not have his skill or athleticism though

[@pabsg]

Russ: *wakes up Coach Nick: “Can you hear me shaking my head?”

[@bballbreakdown]

*accurate*

[@brooklyncollins5460]

I think we just need to show this to the lakers now. 🤣

[@lelu0079]

@@kinjalbhowmik5123 one good game cause he got to control the ball don't mean Russ gonna be great, just keep watch Russ will stink up the joint where noone will defend him cause he can't shoot.

[@johnwayne4024]

@@kinjalbhowmik5123 really?

[@danangdwiatma3999]

@@kinjalbhowmik5123 blew 26 pts lead?

[@austinfitterer9167]

Everyone talks about how Russ is always going at 110%, how intense he is, and how he plays every game the same. Why, then, has this work ethic never translated to being able to shoot even at a respectable level?

[@medotorg2720]

Westbrook has incredible physicality, but I question his basketball I.Q. It's possible that his physical prowess has left integration with the rest of the offense on the back burner for a good part of his career. He style is not symbiotic.

[@MarcusLeonard307]

Yea I gather that what they really mean by "110% intensity" is just to represent his fast paced play on offense. You definitely don't see that drive at any other time in his play! I see him walking around most of the games.

[@hungryalien]

@@medotorg2720 low basketball iq indeed. All muscle, not enough brains perhaps?

[@schmokehng]

His IQ unfortunately is not as high as his intensity

[@yomomshouse100]

Because shooting doesnt take power it takes finesse which involves technique which cant* be found by heart and hussle you need wits.

[@alfredsantino1408]

The problem with Russ is that he’s not a good half court player which you need when the game slows down in the playoffs. He’s mainly thrives in the regular season because he is a heavy transition player which his game revolves around.

[@jdeanwalsh]

fast paced transition basketball, surely the best way to play for a team whose average age is over 30. Lakers really messed up

[@MarcusLeonard307]

Exactly. Russ is the kind of player you want on your team, on the street in pickup games.

[@BlackMarq20]

@@jdeanwalsh 🤣

[@b.lukito6063]

don't worry...he'll be gone before all-stars, or come from the bench, leGM would not risk his chance on another ring... especially at his age

[@kanarip8798]

He’s athleticism, conditioning, and nothing else. Poor intangibles poor iq poor sense of direction poor footwork etc

[@MindfulAttraction]

Westbrook is a type of player that people only talk about him based on high moments. They never talk about him realistically. People think he's really a good finisher when if you look at the number he's not. He fools people with the flash but no substance.

[@LeonGSNP]

Right empty Scoring titles and MVP smh

[@bluesrockfan36]

He is statistically a great finisher, what are you rambling about?

[@jazon8877]

@@bluesrockfan36 he shot 53% on layups last season that’s not good

[@darrylwallace2428]

Well said. I’ve never been high on Westbrook as a contributor.

[@CHP.Spinna]

At rim he’s good everything else is trash he doesn’t shoot the midrange well he shoots 37.6% from there over the last 5 years and we all know he can’t hit a 3

[@aaronjohnson6622]

One and done forr Mr Westbrook. I can hear LeBron's post season interview now, "Sad to see Russ go, great teammate, hell of a player, wish him the best..."

[@pawankirplani9965]

Post season? If Westbrook performs like this he'll get traded mid season

[@aaronjohnson6622]

It's very possible

[@vogel2499]

Called it, they would trade him with Simmons.

[@pawankirplani9965]

@@vogel2499 Frank Vogel, is it you?😂 On a serious note Simmons is no better than Westbrook.

[@dunkdude9966]

@@pawankirplani9965 hahahah

[@shibity]

Talent is a blessing and a curse. Some guys have enough talent to be all stars or even MVP, but that same talent can blind them to the improvements they do need to make. This is how you get a guy in his 14th season making the same form/technical mistakes he's been making since day 1.

[@shaft9000]

It's not the talent that distorts things, it's the success and money at such a young age. These guys are taller than most men, their exterior looks mature and powerful - but inside many of them are still children, mentally and emotionally dysfunctional.

[@jackson3249]

@@shaft9000 In Westbrook's case I do agree it's his supreme athleticism that blinds him to his flaws. Add to that I think he might be a bit stubborn and believes he can coast by on his ability to run faster and jump out of the gym. Some guys are basketball players and some guys are athletes that plays basketball. Westbrook is the latter.

[@vincenttheo8841]

I think people define talent in very specific and narrow ways, such as jumping ability and running speed. Other athletic factors of basketball players are at least equally important, such as balance, focus, consistency, and dexterity. Hence, Russ, to people who do consider a variety of measurements of talent, is really a lot less talented or athletic than Curry or Nash.

[@VerdeBoy13]

Right cause there’s a fine line between talent and skill

[@justinpapin6397]

I agree, this is why Derrick Rose > Westbrook imo. He had the raw athleticism, the talent and he has always been a lover of the game and a hard worker. Sucks that the injuries almost completely destroyed him

[@Cooljoshua567]

I just can't for the life of me understand why the Lakers/Lebron wanted Westbrook. He literally is the worst possible fit among the star players in the NBA next to a Lebron led team. It's like they were so desperate to get a third star that they ignored the fit and went after the only star possible to get.

[@urbaindelva7869]

That's exactly what they did. Also, it's hard to find any star that would fit alongside LeBron without them having to sacrifice their game.

[@daindigokid]

🎯

[@Cooljoshua567]

@@urbaindelva7869 Uh Anthony Davis? He didn't sacrifice anything. He's as dominant as ever and fit perfectly next to Lebron. Of course the third star is going to sacrifice no doubt, but for a Lebron led team the third star needs to be able to spot up shoot when they don't have the ball and Westbrook can't.

[@emmanuelmoses7249]

@@urbaindelva7869 Add a Kyrie/Dame/Cp3/Lavine/PG13 type of player to the Lakers, it would fit perfectly. You just have to be able to shoot to provide spacing for your star teammates. That's not just the case with LeBron, that goes for any great player not named Steph Curry

[@Oridginale24]

Russ was not the Lakers’ first choice. They wanted Dame or Beal but they didn’t have the assets. They even wanted Derozan. But they couldn’t get those guys so they got Russ instead. It was a desperation move to counter the Nets Big 3.

[@stephenbaluran3298]

Unlike Russ' game, Coach has steadily improved his ad game. That transition was so smooth, I didn't see it coming. It was like a Curry jumper.

[@back2back379]

“He gets so many assists, therefore he’s got high basketball IQ!” -Casuals

[@ah00dii85]

Right! 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@jerrybrownell3633]

When you are the only one who handles the ball you are bound to get an assist once in a while.

[@ampmri2434]

Passing is half the play. You need good shooters or finishers to complete the assist.

[@earl4810]

@@ampmri2434 i think this is exactly how westbrook thinks lmao

[@ampmri2434]

@@earl4810 Cause it's true. Check the NBA all time assists list or any other assist list as well for that matter, those great passers had at least 2 go to finishers. The great passers on crappy teams, you won't see their names up at the top. The passer can make life easier for their teammates but what completes the assist are teammates being active and finishing the play.

[@andrewpresley908]

"bUt wE LoVe wEsTbRoOk'S iNtEnSiTy" Yeah. He's been doing dumb stuff his entire career. This "intensity" they speak of is him being out of control. There's a time to bring the pain and then there's another time to be cerebral in your approach to the game. That equilibrium has to be reached. Westbrook is unbalanced.

[@fk-cz8pz]

Agreed. He’s been exposed plenty of times in the playoffs. Even the Lakers exposed him in the bubble playoffs. This might be another case of Lebron thinking he can team up with his friends to create a championship team. He wants to make it work and knows it’s an arms race with the Nets. Just wanted to bring in LA star power. They’ll be a top 3-4 team in the West because they have two top 10 players. But a deep playoff run just seems tough to imagine. Healthy Suns can beat them again imo.

[@fakedan6568]

@@fk-cz8pz Healthy Suns vs Healthy Lakers? No way in hell that happens. LeBron + AD will over power them. I would take quite a few healthy Western Conference teams over the Suns. 1. Lakers 2. Warriors 3. Clippers 4. Nuggets 5. Jazz can be a problem, but Suns probably take it.

[@vincenttheo8841]

@@fakedan6568 Regular or playoff season, it's hard to put the Lakers ahead of the Warriors considering the Warriors' depth, especially when Klay comes back.

[@luridbuilds6043]

@@fk-cz8pz The master plan is to carry him through the west, then let him baby KD, and lock him up in the finals. Because Russ playing against KD a different breed.

[@LeonGSNP]

And yet he won scoring titles, and MVP and would have won a chip if Durant.was himself that final 3 games against the warriors. This is ridiculous the level of basic analysis. Do you know how many ball players there are in the world and how many roster spots there are in the NBA? Its so easy to criticise without fully appreciate the level these guys are playing at to begin with let alone being at the top for years. Russ has never played under a great coach. His intensity got him where he is today which is more success than any of us will ever have. This is a travesty

[@musicgonnahelpme]

Bro, the fact this video was dropped pre season and your analysis was so interesting and on point is insane. Insta subbed after like 3 minutes into the video. Great content.

[@frankpoleski5423]

Facts i always like going back to old comments to see how right I was lol

[@damondbarbee]

I’ve been watching videos for this channel since Warriors won the Chip but this video is what took me over the top to finally subscribe.

[@montiz333]

I was dumbfounded they traded for Russ I literally have no idea how they are going to make this work... I wanted them to get Buddy Hield

[@qb4097]

Rondo as PG in Lakers was perfect combination. Theres too many key player in Lakers(LJ, AD, Melo, Russ). They need a player with good vision awareness, and a nice call(Lakers lay too many on LJ's call). And Rondo was the answer. He knows when to slow down the tempo, up the tempo and the time to take a shot.

[@ciello___8307]

yeah they need more shooters. Russ is not gonna solve that problem at all

[@MrHitmanjohnson1]

Buddy Heid would’ve been a much better fit for the team

[@rollotomasse]

Russell "Hands of Stone" Westbrook, I've never seen a player with lower % on layup's than him...

[@NewEraaG]

Bruh have you seen russ in his prime? He was finishing over everybody. Yall take it too far

[@knoda2603]

@@NewEraaG he’s basically still in his prime

[@thelifeofd3884]

@@NewEraaG bro this ain’t his prime. He been missing too many lay ups since his last season in okc. He not a guarantee 2 points when he gets to the rim anymore.

[@treydrew4021]

@@NewEraaG nah bro he been missing layups

[@ClimaxcraftBro]

@@NewEraaG Even in his “prime” he was always below average in terms of % in finishing. He just had flashy finishes

[@HalfAsianDerp]

I only started watching Basketball the last two years and I've never understood the obsession with Westbrook, he's athletic, and he plays hard, that's about it. Bad shooting, bad decision making, bad defending, bad off-ball movement. Those are a lot of deficiencies for someone you're paying a hefty amount of your cap with.

[@5at5una]

10 years a go he is explosive and a highlight real while kd clean his mess up

[@raresflorea6855]

Honestly when he’s hot and he drives to the rim rather than doing KD pull-ups, it’s truly the most incredible thing to see. Problem is that those games happen once a year so i agree, the obsession is ridiculous

[@bluesrockfan36]

Funny how he was the league best playmaker last season and the clutchest player and the second best on ball defensive guard. But yea... bad "decision maker". You just don't know basketball.

[@arguseyed9982]

@@raresflorea6855 He aint doing that stuff with the Lakers. Remember how they traded away every big in Houston just to make room for his drives? The paint will always be clogged with this roster.

[@arguseyed9982]

@@bluesrockfan36 Wth? I had to read that twice. Westbrick the clutchest player? Second best on ball defensive guard?

[@AD-sq9nk]

Rubio exposed him the most when he lit him up in the playoffs with Utah.

[@alexcaballero3518]

Watching this video in February 2022, and Westbrook still have the same problems. It's just sad.

[@krisneilson1241]

I've been saying this ever since they signed him. You can't have a poor shooting ball-dominant guard when Lebron is on your team. Russ has nothing do to and very little to offer when he doesn't have the ball and it's not going to be better to take it out of Lebron's hands because he is obviously better than Russ. Thanks for validating this coach!

[@vincenttheo8841]

Exactly. And even without LeBron, Russ will turn the team's offense into an ISO-dominated, low-efficiency system. In short, Russ can't be the core star that brings winnings. His only chance with the Lakers is to accept his role as a bench player that will do the supposedly "110%" when there're absolutely no other better options to shoot the ball.

[@ah00dii85]

Said the same shit I swear 😭🤦🏾‍♂️

[@iAceBlack]

I can't believe they gave up Buddy Hield for this clown smh.

[@nimic071485]

What was Russ doing in the offseason for how many years? His game hasn’t changed and it’s actually getting worst.

[@KidnapT]

Great model for Ben Simmons

[@JohnnytNatural]

his shot is broken; you can't fix a broken shot; he should've scrapped it and learn a new a shot

[@Goofbirdent]

He relies too much on his legs to shoot pull up jumpers and you can tell overtime his legs are burning out

[@JohnnytNatural]

@@Goofbirdent exactly, it's a broken shot due to the nature of basketball; Steph Curry doesn't rely on his legs and he is able to get off shots easily

[@MrWarrenRB]

@@JohnnytNatural plenty of players have fixed or improved their shot. Lonzo’s shot was ugly but he fixed it. Kawhi also became a fantastic shooter. Some folks just don’t want to improve

[@carlforpresidentanthony4574]

Brilliant breakdown. Im impressed very few people can see the game this way. 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@clintonsymons3693]

Love these break downs. AMAZING,!!!

[@stancedcj8010]

I’m a big Westbrook fan but I’m not ignorant to the facts, good job coach

[@Jaime-II]

What do you like about him?

[@poo5131]

@@Jaime-II he gets triple doubles bro 😤

[@stancedcj8010]

@@Jaime-II I love how he gives you 150% every-night he plays ! He wants to win too But as he’s getting older he’s kind of going away from what I liked about him the most which was his stop & pop.

[@stancedcj8010]

@@Jaime-II and that he’s a try hard 🤣

[@russellwestbrookyellingatw9381]

@@Jaime-II everything

[@ChrisTookFlight]

Man Russ doesn’t change he’s my favorite player an it’s sad seeing the same issues every season

[@durkdaperk4297]

HES your favorite player???? 😭😭😭 that’s tuff my guy

[@ronald8664]

praying for you big homie, you stronger than me i wouldnt be this loyal

[@jasonforester7292]

Why is he your favorite player though? His intensity? His passion? Neither of those things can make up for his terrible basketball IQ.

[@xdarkxskullzx]

@@jasonforester7292 You’re really dogging someone for having a favorite player? Grow up, what a man child you are.

[@jasonforester7292]

@@honorwithoutlaw So issues they could've worked out in the preseason are still issues because they didn't work on it. Great game plan.

[@jacobisler2720]

This video was way ahead of its time

[@VynceMontgomery]

Welcome back, Coach! thanks for starting the season with another great breakdown.

[@ms2sfca]

Coach Nick, great job. You do a great job. I am always telling my friends about you and sending them links to your videos. I am interested in seeing the different combinations of lineups used in a game. Seeing +/- minutes played, pts, etc. I would like to know which lineup performed the best. What website can I go to? Thanks.

[@micahkiyimba8641]

Not the 1st time Westbrook has been outmanouvred by The GS Warriors. Everyone knows he can't shoot so they take away his drives and bait him into bad shost

[@deedelta9263]

*maneuvered

[@MrMathsimon]

@@deedelta9263 great contribution!

[@brianmabasa5251]

I knew you were going to make this Coach! thanks! I hope you make one for the chemistry and the ball rotation of the Golden State this year and how Impeccable it is!

[@naurisgruduls9637]

Excellent analytics video 👌 watched the whole thing very interesting and refreshing

[@pricetopay5152]

Wizard fan here. Westbrook can somewhat effective when he is surrounded by shooters and can be primary ball handler, still surprised lakers took his contract off our hands though

[@blue-phoenix115]

Lebron and AD won’t let Westbrook pad his stats on their behalf.

[@johnthonig8832]

LB will not allow it. LB wants those stats

[@NewAgeSlaves]

@@johnthonig8832 russ goes for rebound Lebron "I think not"

[@gmvdmvn]

Lebron and Russ both stat padders but Bron is more disciplined with it. This season and locker room is finna be some hell 😭

[@stefyuthechosenone1458]

Coach Nick : the King of transition and advertising !!!

[@walkerskii]

Wow incredibly insightful video! Thank you!

[@mscottlawrence2037]

Thanks yet again coach for another great breakdown, 👍 🏀💯

[@ebrules50cent]

One of the best basketball channels out!! Love the breakdowns coach.

[@jerico4030]

Thanks coach. This is ON POINT! 💯

[@koolkene2641]

Very nice analyisis👍 %100 on point

[@basketballworldreactions4761]

Thank you for explaining coach, westbrook fans will sure be mad

[@Marrab2]

Lakers fans too😁they think they have a big 3

[@adityavarshney6690]

I feel like most WB fans abandoned this page a while ago

[@williamblake7386]

I never saw them, do they really exist?

[@adityavarshney6690]

@@williamblake7386 yep, there are still a few in the comments here

[@eijisawakita1654]

@@Marrab2 bro I'm a Laker fan myself and I rather have Hield than him tbh

[@travenouscavanaugh9669]

I'm a Lakers Fan, but seeing this breakdown of Russ' game breaks my heart, they're going to have a very very difficult season. Unless LeGM comes to trade Russ lol

[@tarusnash9632]

This was 2 months ago but it’s spot on today!!!

[@SirCash.]

The fact that drose was basically Russ with a little less playmaking and rebounding but actually knew how to shoot

[@prashanthjames9102]

This is one of the most painful videos I've seen this year 😪

[@shreyas5737]

I humbly would like to say that I love this content from u coach, Also first

[@Jeffway24]

I love this channel 😂 I’ve been preaching this problem at my friends from the minute Russ was traded to LA 😭

[@li-chungtsao4859]

Whoa, 9 months now looking back, coach you are so right. There was (and still is) indeed a fundamental flaw in which this Lakers team is designed

[@gavinschulte7522]

The NBA was changing on Russ in his prime years. While guys were having tons of success with tons of 3pt shots, Russ was dominating with his physicality and explosiveness. He never took the time to smooth out his shot mechanics and now is paying the price. It doesn’t help that players like him who rely on physicality fall off way harder than others.

[@dunkdude9966]

Fax if he get at least a smooth deep midrange he’ll be a dagger in the defence but man just can’t shoot the ball

[@arvingonzales1278]

Well said

[@tjcarr8097]

Can’t believe the Lakers are going with another veteran stacked team. Didn’t work when Kobe and Shaq were there either!

I love these breakdowns!

[@mike032531]

Excellent breakdown Nick.

[@CortoMuanza]

I always tell people: Russ is not a basketball player. He's an athlete.

[@starkk19]

If you've been following this channel for a long time, you knew that this is what Westbrook brings to the floor. He's just a terrible fit with the Lakers who have ball-handlers like LBJ and Rondo.

[@PSKZN]

I heard an idea that Lakers signed him to rest Lebron more during the regular season. Still a question if he could get some Ws with Lebron resting and one huge question is his playoff value.

[@HypocritesExposd]

@@PSKZN - if that’s true, I think the exact opposite will happen. LeBron will have to play more, having to clean up Westbrook’s mistakes

[@qb4097]

@@HypocritesExposd Rondo gotta be starter and Russ in 2nd team to reduce the mistake

[@eddardstark6179]

he is a terrible fit on every contender lol

[@HypocritesExposd]

@@qb4097 don’t know if Russ will take that. If he doesn’t, then he’s not going to be on the team after the all star break.

[@dillonn3918]

Best after game KZbin channel ever, there’s isn’t anyone better

[@supradu93]

It wasn't early , you were right, well done coach !

[@othmanbelhaj3694]

Not only Russ but the Warriors were targeting Melo every time down court. They were screening with Melo’s man and it was resulting in 3s !

[@sloaiza81]

exactly. Melo and Russ are worthless to a team that wants to win.

[@Ice_24isthegoat]

LeChoke and Westbrick a truly perfect combination! 😂😂

[@aleclewis6167]

*BBALLBREAKDOWN theme begins* Ahhh...that is the sound of the NBA starting back up 😌🏀 this channel has single-handedly brought back my interest in the League. Thanks Coach Nick!

[@r6-AgentScorpionParkerKRider23]

He'll be remembered for his Triple-Double seasons and so much potential...that's all...I'll take Simmons and do with him what my Warriors did with Wiggins: Consult, give him analysis, and help him grow by improving his skills and confidence while finding offensive and defensive sets we can maximize his skills at...also with Ben he'll have two choices: work on that jumper every year/summer or find another team(we can find one for you)...working on/evolving your game means you're serious and that you still love this game

[@kanarip8798]

10:44 look at Lebron and people were mad when KD left him

[@rsan1704]

And to think that Buddy Hield could have been the one in the purple and gold. That fit would have been superb. Would like to know why they passed up on hield?

[@mrcobbs6227]

I can clearly hear the JOY in coach Nick's voice...

[@chiranjibbaruah5044]

Coach, you slipping with the ad smoothness. I knew right when you'd start the ad. Earlier you were smooth.

[@isitmeeTV]

We had a guy like Russ on our college team. He was a 3 sport start athlete in highschool Track Football and basketball. His skills where lacking in basketball but he was so much stronger and faster then use that made up for it. Problem was that every 4th quarter teams started to build a wall and he would be moving so fast he often made a lot of poor passing choices.

[@DustySticks]

Wait Russ can't be slow at hustling back on defense. According to almost every NBA analyst no one plays harder than Russ does! 🙄

[@w41duvernay]

Boy, that Wizards Lakers trade is looking like a steal by the Wizards by Tommy Sheppard...

[@Ryu-qk1kx]

that was a damn good breakdown

[@danshealthylifestyle8443]

We already know what curry can do. As a warriors fan gotta appreciate how j.pool been playing

[@BuckarooBanzai-]

Lakers had the chance to take Lowry or Hield, but no they want Russ 😂 , its one game tho, im sure lakers will figure it out.

[@jacksonsheldon41]

Bro Lowry not putting Lakers over the nets . N ppl keep talking bout buddy hield but I guarantee that if he came to LA he would forget how to shoot lol

[@GerryLo5198]

Did they really have a shot at Lowry? I thought Buddy was the only one on the table. Either way, Russ over Lowry and Hield is just horrible decision making.

[@baron17]

Russ is more Hollywood

[@intendedexpression6609]

^^^^ YES. The answer is yes to the guys above saying "would lakers have been better with lowry" ONE HUNDRED PERCENT lol. Lowry is a smarter pass first Pg and can get a bucket when he wants to. Better shooter. Smarter defender. Theres a reason he was the starting Pg on a championship team in 2019. Yall need to learn what mentalities help teams win. Westbrook is forcer he literally goes blank in the game. Tunnel visioned asf especially in the forth.

[@andrewcampbell3071]

@@jacksonsheldon41hield is one of the best shooters in the league I think he would have been fine lol

[@creepincarl]

That DraftKings transition was money

[@Colonel.B.Sanders]

Everyone talking abt Buddy Hield when we could’ve gotten Thiccums Lowry and kept Caruso.

[@grahamstrouse1165]

I woulda been cool with that, too...

[@6aliph77]

I don't understand why your surprised when a player does what he's done his entire career...

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

I've said this before and I'll say it again: Russ plays loser ball. I've actually said the same thing for over a decade about Carmelo Anthony. Ironically, they're now both on the same team! Russ is a poor shooter and can't play off the ball. Well that's going to be a huge problem with LeBron controlling the ball all the time. They've got two options: * LeBron plays off the ball - and considering LeBron isn't a great shooter either and it's his team, that won't happen * Russ comes off the bench - that won't happen because Russ would rather lose than take a back seat

[@joshuafult84]

At least Carmelo can shoot which he is doing well so far

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

@@joshuafult84 Carmelo's problem was never that he couldn't shoot. His problem was that he ALWAYS 1. demanded the ball and 2. refused to pass! He was simple to diagnose: if your primary ball handler (when he was with the Knicks) is getting you 2 1/2 assists a game, sorry, you ain't winning! He's in a much better role now since the ball isn't in his hands.

[@Evan_30]

You're the homie if you really provide shot analysis for your viewers.

[@5lim.0]

Watching this while waiting for the conference finals to start is hilarious.

[@adityavarshney6690]

At first I was going to say "It's just 1 game" but yeah Russ has had many of these problems for a while. How do you think the Russ/AD pick and roll would work? I assume they would be able to get to the basket with ease.

[@jeremyking9442]

Depends on the time. In the regular season a Russ AD pick and roll can be stunning. In the playoffs, everyone will give up the jumpers from either player and go under screens, effectively making the pick and roll ineffective.

[@adityavarshney6690]

@@jeremyking9442 I feel like Russ hasn't had this kind of PnR partner so maybe something blooms from running it a ton in the regular season? Pick and pop with AD would also be interesting, especially if you have Russ alongside a slasher like THT in the game. Going under doesn't really work if the small ends up on AD. If the big double-teams AD off the switch onto Russ, you might be in trouble. But if Russ can hit the midrange with space, that would be ideal. AD really only needs a little bit of working area to get a shot in, so Russ wouldn't have to be phenomenal from the mid. Him shooting 40-50% from those spots would be ok for a go-to playoff shot. It's ~0.9 PPP plus Russ would maybe get rolling. If the defense creeps up, dish to AD for ~1.2PPP at 60%. And if they double AD with a third man off the help side corner, it could be ~1.2PPP for a 40% 3pt shooter. The numbers are just to show that it could work... Not that anything is guaranteed lol. But without LeBron on the court, this is pretty solid. Plus you prevent Russ from making boneheaded drives by saying "here, play with this simple action" 😂

[@jeremyking9442]

@@adityavarshney6690 Russ getting open mid range is always welcomed by the defense, he's not a good mid range shooter. AD can hit the occasional shot but in the playoffs you live with that. There wouldnt be a switch if both the big and guard drop into the paint which is what they'll most likely do. Essentially, once the playoffs start you can expect the paint to be crowded. For the regular season you can expect alot of dunks and lobs. The writing is on the wall with this one

[@adityavarshney6690]

@@jeremyking9442 I guess I'm being optimistic. Russ has flaws in his game and hasn't improved much since his first MVP year imo. That said, I think Russ-AD PnR action would still be interesting to see. Hoping it leads to good results. 🍻

[@whodeani2216]

You need a good to great shooter to make the pick and roll an effective play, otherwise teams will just go under and ice it every time

[@hungryalien]

Didn’t realize that russell is this bad 😂 thanks coach nick! Hehe

[@CHP.Spinna]

Inflated stats are the only reason he’s seen as good

[@illwill5012]

10:33 look how determined he is about getting rebound when dwight is already there instead of focusing on getting back for defense

[@camilledanhya1401]

That sudden ad caught me off guard lol

[@Jaccobtw]

Triple doubles don’t mean anything if you can’t win games with them

[@Nationof300]

Wtf are you even talking about 😂😂😂🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Jaccobtw]

@@Nationof300 It’s alright bro.

[@DaFlash47]

Laker should've never traded for Russ they saw what the moves the Nets were making and got insecure and now they stuck with this turnover machine

[@RayTheRealWay]

Naw they can still make adjustments. This might be his first year that russ comes off the bench for the Lakers and run with the second unit .

[@5at5una]

and a brick machine?

[@DiegoSalazar-uf1js]

Good analysis right here

[@optimusprime028]

THE NBA IS BACK AND SO IS THE DOPE MUSIC!

[@shermanleeyh]

I just don’t get why so many teams still want westbrook on their teams after seeing his performance in okc.

[@ah00dii85]

I feel like Russ is one of those players that should of retire in one franchise. The worst thing Happened to Russ was them trading him, I was like any other team he goes to has to cater to his play style and sacrifice in investing in roll players. Russ will never be able to adjust to another culture of a team outside of the Russ ball dominate offense, especially without no jump shot.

[@jonathanichirochia4381]

At least Ben Simmons is a versatile and capable defender. Westbrooke though … doesn’t even hustle.

[@jayeeeedeeee2102]

I'm feenin for a BBallBreakdown of the Nets/Harden where you been Coach Nick?

[@scifitoilet]

harsh but fair. great vid coach.

[@intendedexpression6609]

Same thing that makes westbrook really great is the same thing that contributes to his struggle. He has too much passion. Wild to even say that because more passion for something means you're going to be great almost all the time. But westbrook wants to win so much he almost does too much. He doesn't know how to readjust as the game goes on. If westbrook had i.q similar to a regular Pg like dj Augustin, he would probably would've been a 3 time champion by now. KD left because of that. Westbrook would just pull up and shoot everything or turn it over in the 4th instead of dumping it off to Kd. Hopefully things change on this team tho.

[@TheJeonyboy]

So tired of nonsense of passion or always gives 110% bs. Yelling and pounding chest doesn’t mean passion. He gives zero effort off the ball and tries barely on defense. You never hear people say klay Thompson always give 110% or he’s passionate but he’s the one that gives it all on every possession defense or offense.

[@cynkauvanyau2059]

@@TheJeonyboy Exactly. Russ gives a lot of effort ONLY WHEN the camera captures it. When it comes to off ball, transition defense, he slacks off.

[@intendedexpression6609]

@@TheJeonyboy you're completely right. Im talking about when he has possession of the ball tho.

[@kysorare8493]

KD left because he kept underperforming in the playoffs and wanted more help😭

[@larryhoods]

@@kysorare8493 right.. that's why he just proceeded to win the next 2 finals MVP's literally the first 2 years he left Westbrick 😭🤦🏾‍♂️🤤

[@junioruchiha1386]

Here after gs won the chip and lakers didn’t even make the play in lmaoo

[@raven062000]

The thumbnail is hilarious 😂

[@michaelscottoriginal]

It's only the first game..yet Coach Nick already nailed down all what we are seeing now. Frankly, none of these are surprising, yet the Lakers thought they a different outcome is possible

[@J17ER]

As a laker fan I was very skeptical about the trade. A lot of my friends loved the trade but I told them I’m actually concerned because he won’t fit very well at least in the beginning. It’s the first game I get it but it is a concern and will be in the playoffs. As great as Westbrook is athletically and his intensity, he doesn’t have a high IQ, turns the ball over a lot and is not a great shooter. It will take time of course but every team now knows what to do against the lakers. My only idea is he coming off the bench or play him more with the second unit where he can aggressive like his OKC days. But we’ll see

[@noisepuppet]

Wow, this take sure aged poorly! Jk, it was a bullseye that lasted all season. 😂 6 months ago, I believed you on this but still didn't realize how right you were.

[@BezmenovWasRight]

Damn! Hard to deny it.

[@mattstone3279]

Great content bro love your videos and the dramatic intro music. If Westbrook continues to struggle Rob Pelinka should consider moving him before the deadline to a team like the Cavs, Pistons, or Knicks. He's clearly incapable of being efficient and effective without the ball in his hands and he's a below-average shooter that is very turnover-prone. Go Lakers!

[@jaysmoove1117]

It's going to take humiliation and a first round exit to show laker fans that this isn't going to work

[@misanthropyunhinged]

they're not making the playoffs

[@jaysmoove1117]

@@misanthropyunhinged I wouldn't go that far though

[@SonOvaSon]

That already happened though

[@jaysmoove1117]

@@SonOvaSon another one

[@RayTheRealWay]

No they gone make adjustments. This might be the first year russ comes off the bench in his career. Watch soon they gone start Bradley and bron gone run point. Bron , Bradley bazemore melo and ad . Or bron , Bradley, bazemore, ad , Howard

[@tysonreesmusic]

Lakers: Sign Russ knowing he's had the same problems for 14 years Russ: Continues having the same problems Lakers: Shocked Pikachu face

[@hackman88]

The problem with Russell Westbrook is that he is so physically gifted that he never had to learn how to play basketball. He needs to improve every aspect of his game to stay competitive as his athleticism fades. You can see this in many hyper athletic players such as Blake Griffin, Aaron Gordon ,...

[@sdfg88]

love to get your take on the howard davis scuffle

[@ngsteve2173]

Russ's problem isn't anything new, but thank you coach for pointing out subtle things like his footwork and helps us realize how Russ fundamentals are shaky af.