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Scott Polacek is the featured Columnist for the Los Angeles Lakers.
AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook has faced criticism about his efficiency and even that he chases stat throughout his career, but to hear him tell it his turnovers and missed shots are "part of the game."
Following Sunday's victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Westbrook told reporters as much.
The game wasn't going my way, I disagree with that point. My game is not based on shots or turnovers. It's part of the game if I miss some shots. I can miss shots. I can do that. Like any other player, I can do that. I can also turn the ball over. I can do that, it's just a part of the game. When you watch a basketball game and figure out what impact it has, you can make the right plays, boxing out, and reading the game. Being a basketball player is all that matters.
Despite the win, there was a concern about turnovers.
He missed all five of his attempts from beyond the arc. It is fair to wonder about the overall fit for the Lakers squad that is just 19-19, despite the fact that Los Angeles still escaped with the victory thanks in large part to the 26 points, seven rebound, five assists, three steals, and one turnover that LeBron James put up.
Los Angeles fans won't think the point guard turning it over nine times is just "part of the game" if it costs the storied franchise a chance at the playoffs.
It didn't cost the purple and gold on Sunday.
