Fansided

NBA Award Watch: Russell Westbrook is on fire

By John Buhler

Nov 30, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the Washington Wizards during overtime at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the Washington Wizards during overtime at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
November 25, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton watches game action against the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 25, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton watches game action against the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Coach of the Year: Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton

Though they are only .500 at 10-10 through 20 games, the Los Angeles Lakers are at .500 through 20 games! While teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Washington Wizards have been massive disappointments in the early part of the year, the Lakers under new head coach Luke Walton have been one of the NBA’s most pleasant surprises.

The Lakers are still playing hard every night for Walton. With the Memphis Grizzlies losing Mike Conley for a month and a half and the Portland Trail Blazers playing no defense whatsoever, maybe the Lakers can have staying power in the Western Conference and make the NBA Playoffs as a No. 7 or 8 seed?

Los Angeles is scoring a lot of points playing up-tempo. The Lakers are fifth in points per game at 106.8 and fourth in the NBA in pace at 99.7 possessions per ball game. However, they are still only middle of the pack in offensive efficiency (15th) and one of the worst on defense (26th).

Next: Worst NBA Finals Starters of All-Time

Walton is doing a phenomenal job of taking the coaching tactics he learned with the Golden State Warriors and applying them to the Baby Lakers. This team is about a year or two from really popping, but this team is a fun watch every night. Walton is massively responsible for having the Lakers playing a visually appealing brand of basketball.

Home/NBA