Westbrook scored 18+6+6, a brilliant performance but not necessary for the Kings to win.

Before the start of the regular season, Westbrook joined the Kings with a non-guaranteed contract.

This seems to be beyond many people’s expectations.

Why did the Kings frantically show their affection for Westbrook during the offseason, but ended up signing him to a non-guaranteed contract? What is the purpose of the Kings signing Westbrook?

Kings team reporter Matt George revealed: The focus of the Kings this season is to build the team culture. Westbrook's personality and his playing style are very consistent with the cultural atmosphere the team is currently working hard to create.

Yes, build team culture.

The King, who was already undersized, was even more helpless after Murray was injured. In the first game, Sauri was absent and could only start with Eubanks; in the second game, Sauri put in a lot of effort and arranged for Isaac Jones to play the fourth position. In the third game, Sauri was troubled by fouls. The Kings really had nothing to lose. Eubanks + Saric + Jones + Caldwell (two-way), none of them could be used.

Most of the time, there are four small lineups.

Therefore, the Kings' current lineup already has serious problems. The Kings introduced Westbrook not to rely on Westbrook to improve the Kings' strength and become a playoff team in the Western Conference.

Just think about it, with the Kings’ current lineup and existing salary space, which player can be introduced to make the Kings soar into the sky and become a playoff team?

I can't think of a name.

But I think the king’s idea is right.

In recent seasons, the Kings have sent away Fox and Haliburton. The record is hovering in the play-offs. The team has stars such as Sabonis Jr., LaVine, and DeRozan, as well as super sixth men like Monk, and high-quality 3D players like Keegan Murray that many teams in the league covet, but they cannot win together.

Tear down and rebuild?

Reconstruction also requires capital for reconstruction.

Sabonis, LaVine, and DeRozan all have big contracts, but how many first-round draft picks can they get back?

Since they cannot rebuild immediately, the Kings must play a team that is not a bad team and be full of desire for victory. Players must remain passionate and full of fighting spirit as soon as they take the field.

In Westbrook's first game,

came off the bench for 18.8 minutes and scored 6 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist;

In Westbrook's second game,

came off the bench for 17.4 minutes, scoring 7 points, 1 rebound and 4 assists;

In Westbrook's third game,

came off the bench for 27.2 minutes, scoring 18 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

For a 36-year-old veteran who has not played 5-on-5 or played in preseason games throughout the offseason, he needs to gradually find his form in the game.

I didn’t expect that Westbrook found him so quickly.

In the second quarter against the Lakers, Westbrook suddenly broke out on the offensive end. He hit three-pointers repeatedly from outside the three-point line, instantly giving the Kings momentum.

Moreover, Westbrook's breakthrough is still so sharp. Many people complain that Westbrook lacks skill in dribbling and is not gorgeous. He can get in with just one acceleration. What other tricks are there? (It’s just that Westbrook is old and seriously injured, and his current finishing ability has declined. There are rare times when Westbrook cannot break through)

Westbrook rushed for offensive rebounds, which even ignited the home court (a total of 6 rebounds, including 4 offensive rebounds)

Another point, Westbrook's entire game Throughout his career, baseline kicks have always been very threatening.

Perhaps it was because Westbrook's physical fitness was not enough to support a longer game, perhaps because Kings head coach Christie did not trust Westbrook in the final quarter, perhaps because Christie protected Westbrook's health. In short, Westbrook did not get more playing time in the final quarter, and the Kings lost the game in the end.

Westbrook did have a highlight performance, but he is not necessary for the Kings to win or lose the game. Westbrook is a catalyst, used to inspire the starting players. The players who stand on the court at the last moment are the ones who determine the outcome of the game.

Westbrook can provide a lot of help to the King.

Although Westbrook currently has a non-guaranteed contract, Westbrook's treatment with the Kings is not low at all. When the Kings defeated the Jazz 105-104 at home, Westbrook was arranged to be the one who lit up the home laser.

The face is enough.

The Kings’ “Light the Beam” ceremony originated from the 22-23 season and is an important part of the Kings’ culture. The players who once lit up the beam were Fox, DeRozan, and now Westbrook.

The King has Westbrook, and it really seems like a soul has been injected into it. Perhaps in the middle of the season, the current deformed lineup can be changed through transactions, and perhaps the qualification for the play-offs can be maintained.