3 Reasons why Westbrook is a great option for the LA Clippers

Nicolas Batum, LA Clippers - Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Nicolas Batum, LA Clippers - Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Russell Westbrook, LA Clippers
Russell Westbrook, LA Clippers – Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The LA Clippers point guard, Russell Westbrook, will be playing with some of the league’s best three-point shooters.

As of right now, the LA Clippers do not need Russell Westbrook to score the ball. Throughout his 15-year career, Westbrook has been a stellar finisher around the rim. His ability to maneuver to the basket, change speed, and control the ball through traffic explains why he holds two scoring titles. He also has a solid mid-range which often goes overlooked when observing his percentages.

However, Westbrook is not the scorer he once was. He has never been the best three-point shooter, but he shot 29.7% from three during his tenure with the Lakers. This is not ideal for a team like the Clippers, as they need players that can space the floor.

While this percentage may seem low, the Lakers didn’t allow Westbrook to reach his full potential. He is at his best when he is surrounded by elite shooters, along with a clear paint to attack. This was the opposite for the Lakers, as they are one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the NBA. In fact, the Lakers’ most effective three-point shooter was Austin Reaves who shot 37.2% through 41 games.

Furthermore, the LA Clippers have plenty of three-point shooters to call up if they are looking for a basket around the perimeter. What’s more, the current roster holds seven players shooting higher than 37% from a distance. This is clearly one of the best situations Westbrook has seen since entering the league. Not to mention their superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will see a number of benefits down the stretch.