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“Russell Westbrook will not sit still on the bench for Rondo to play 20 minutes a night”: Skip Bayless believes Rondo’s role would be nonexistent on the LA Lakers in the upcoming NBA season

Arjun Julka
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"Russell Westbrook will not sit still on the bench for Rondo to play 20 minutes a night": Skip Bayless believes Rondo's role would be nonexistent on the LA Lakers in the upcoming NBA season

Undisputed analyst Skip Bayless believes Rajon Rondo’s role will be diminished with the LA Lakers, owing to Russell Westbrook being used to playing heavy minutes.

Popular television personality Skip Bayless has been highly critical of Russell Westbrook joining the LA Lakers. Though Bayless is an advent admirer of the superstar’s talent and the show he puts up day in and out, Westbrook’s ability to share the ball has always been a question for the analyst.

In the past as well, Bayless has been highly critical of the Lakers’ off-season moves. The analyst feels that players acquired by the Lakers during the current off-season are way past their prime. However, his fault-finding on Westbrook is his usual go-to.

Russell Westbrook recently surpassed Oscar Robertson as the all-time leader in triple-doubles. However, the 2x scoring champion had a first-round exit in the 2021 playoffs.

Also read: “Nas’ latest music video features LeBron James and Russell Westbrook”: The Lakers teammates are seen having an extravagant brunch with the NY rap legend in the video

Bayless has on repeated occasions stated how Westbrook’s shooting abilities have gone from bad to worse. The 9x All-Star shot a dismal 31.9% from the 3-point line during the last season.

Skip Bayless states that Russell Westbrook would diminish Rajon Rondo’s playing time to a minimum limit.

Over the years, Bayless has developed into a staunch critic of Westbrook, which was not the case before. The veteran analyst would always gun for the superstar, especially during his MVP season. However, things seemed to have changed.

Bayless has been calling out the former OKC superstar for his high turnovers and poor shooting abilities frequently. Westbrook had 312 turnovers during the 2020-21 season and continued to struggle with his jump shots.

While talking about the Lakers’ new positions for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Undisputed analyst felt the Lakers were trying too hard to accommodate Westbrook.

“Not only are the Lakers accommodating Russ, they’re basically handing him the keys to the kingdom. The same Russ who led the Wizards to a 34-38 record while leading the league in turnovers.”

Bayless added that Westbrook would not be patient enough to sit for 15-20 minutes on the bench, waiting for Rondo.

“I am all in on Rondo. But he will be all out of the Lakers rotation because Russ will not sit still on the bench for Rondo to play 20 minutes a night. Russ will create Hell in the locker room if that happens”

Also read: “Russell Westbrook, we should all have been playing y’all in 2016”: Richard Jefferson explains what new Lakers star has to get right in order for LeBron James and co to win 2022 NBA title

One cannot deny Bayless’ accusations, as statistics are on his side. However, Westbrook’s ability to adjust to his new role on the Lakers will be interesting to watch.

About the author

Arjun Julka

Arjun Julka

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Arjun Julka is a NBA author at The SportsRush. Basketball isn’t just a sport for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai. He began watching the sport after stumbling upon a court in his society, helping him identify an undiscovered passion for the game of hoops. Now an ardent fan, Arjun supports Stephen Curry and the Warriors but also enjoys watching Giannis Antetokounmpo own the paint. When it comes to the GOAT debate, the TSR author feels LeBron James is yet to receive a lot of his due but cannot deny marveling at Michael Jordan’s resume.

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