Brooklyn Nets superstar, Durant, talks about former teammate Westbrook’s new role in L.A

 

The L.A. Lakers defeat the Brooklyn Nets 116-103 on Sunday night, their third victory of the 2022-23 NBA season.

 

The Lakers took excellent care of the ball, committing only nine turnovers, outrebounded Brooklyn 45-41, and outshot the Nets in all three phases of scoring.

 

Anthony Davis was the game’s standout performer, dominating the paint and holding a season-high 18 rebounds. However, the Lakers’ No. 0 player, dubbed “360,” continues to excel in his new sixth-man role.

 

Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook’s former teammate, noticed as he got to see firsthand how the 2017 MVP is changing the game. After the game, K.D. spoke with the media about what he observed from his old Oklahoma City Thunder teammate last night.

 

Westbrook was at his best when he held the ball in his hands. And since coming off the bench, he’s been the key player bringing the ball up and shooting better. Russ has made three starts this season. He averaged 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in those games while shooting a dismal 29% from the floor.

 

Since entering the game against the Denver Nuggets in late October, he’s averaged 18 points, nine assists, and four rebounds while shooting 46% from the field and 42% from three.

 

He also had a fantastic block on Durant near the conclusion of the first quarter that got the crowd buzzing.

 

There is a newfound enthusiasm for Russ. When he has the ball, you can see it. He’s regained his swagger, and if it’s not converting into victories, it’s encouraging to see Westbrook playing to his full potential.

 

The Lakers will get some much-needed respite today, as their next game is against the Detroit Pistons on Friday.