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How Russell Westbrook propelled Lakers to first win with energy off the bench

Benyam Kidane

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How Russell Westbrook propelled Lakers to first win with energy off the bench image

The Los Angeles Lakers are officially in the win column!

After starting the season with a league-worst 0-5 record, the Lakers brought Russell Westbrook off the bench for the second consecutive game, and following tonight's 121-110 win over the Denver Nuggets, the new-look rotation had the Lakers offense matching the production of their defense.

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Westbrook was at his energetic best, wreaking havoc against the Nuggets' second unit as he relentlessly attacked the basket, pushed the ball in transition, and provided the offensive spark alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. 

He finished with 18 points, eight assists and eight rebounds, including four on the offensive glass. In 31 minutes, he shot an efficient 6-of-12 from the field, 2-of-4 from the 3-point line, 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, finishing the game with a team-high plus-minus of +18.

The sample size is small, but two games into his new role, it's already making a big impact for the Lakers, who buried a season-high 13 triples against the Nuggets. 

LeBron James led the way with a game-high 26 points, eight assists and six rebounds, while Anthony Davis added 23 points and 15 rebounds, showering Westbrook with praise postgame. 

"I just told him, the way you're playing, the way your handling everything is tremendous," Davis said.

"The way he played in Minnesota, the way he played tonight is unbelievable. To be a player of his caliber and ask to come off the bench, that's truly a guy who's doing whatever the team ask to get the win, sacrifice his starting position for the betterment of the team.

"He's flourished in that role, that's all we can ask for."

Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star, former MVP,  and owner of the NBA's triple-double record, spoke of embracing the "sacrifice" for the betterment of the team.

"Whatever's needed from me to be able to help the team win, that's what ill do and I'll continue doing that as the season goes along," he said postgame.

The Lakers will look to build on Sunday night's win when they host Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. 

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.