The Lakers actually found a way for LeBron and Westbrook to work together last season, but the problem was that if LeBron wasn’t on the court the Lakers had too many gaps, not enough neutral or plus players, and Westbrook by himself on court couldn’t do anything.

Lakers in 2022-2023 with Westbrook

Westbrook + LeBron ON court (all games): 114.2 ORtg, 108.2 DRtg, +6.0 NET

Westbrook + LeBron ON court after 2-10 start: 117.8 ORtg, 108.7 DRtg, +9.1 NET

Westbrook + LeBron ON court, AD OFF court (all games): 119.8 ORtg, 111.8 DRtg, +8.0 NET

Westbrook + LeBron ON court after AD’s injury in December (24 games): 118.7 ORtg, 103.9 DRtg, +14.8 NET

Westbrook ON court, LeBron and AD OFF court (all games): 106.6 ORtg, 120.6 DRtg, -14.0 NET

Westbrook + LeBron + AD ON Court (all games): 113.8 ORtg, 112.0 DRtg, +1.8 NET

Westbrook + AD ON court, LeBron OFF court: 119.2 ORtg, 120.2 DRtg, -1.0 NET

This isn’t to say I think Westbrook is still a good player. It’s more a testament to how good LeBron was last season (and continues to be) than anything and how much credit he deserves for making it work contrary to popular unsubstantiated narratives about how he struggles to play with ball dominant guards.