Russell Westbrook’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers has been a roller coaster ride, and although he has been a much more positive element for them this season, he has still had his share of poor shooting performances.
But one aspect he has been rather consistent with is looking for his teammates and getting them easy baskets. He was averaging 9.4 assists per 36 minutes coming into Monday’s game versus the Brooklyn Nets, compared to 7.4 assists per 36 minutes last season.
Against Brooklyn, Westbrook went 5-of-15 and had six turnovers, but his 10 assists helped keep the Lakers competitive for a portion of the contest.
Those 10 assists moved him past Gary Payton and into 10th place in career assists in NBA history.
Congrats to @russwest44 of the @Lakers for moving to 10th all-time in career assists! pic.twitter.com/ZOKEe8QJ6k
— NBA (@NBA) January 31, 2023
Payton, who made the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, played 17 seasons and was considered one of the best point guards of the 1990s, particularly on the defensive end.
Of course, Payton played a year with the Purple and Gold during the 2003-04 season. He won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat two years later.
