LeBron James convinced Los Angeles Lakers 'in this together' as Russell Westbrook struggles

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — While much of the discourse about this season's Los Angeles Lakers has centered around the acquisition of Russell Westbrook and how the point guard has not been an ideal fit, LeBron James insists there is no one player responsible for the team still scuffling along below .500 as the trade deadline approaches.

«At the end of the day, as his brother, we're all in this together,» James said after practice Monday. «We're all in the foxhole together. There is not one guy who is doing it by themselves. There's not one guy you can blame over another guy. There's not one guy who gets the praise over another guy. When we lose, we all lose. When we win, we all win. It's really that simple.»

Westbrook was benched for the entire overtime session in L.A.'s 122-115 come-from-behind win over the New York Knicks on Saturday.

He shot just 1-for-10 from the field, marking the fifth time this season in which Westbrook attempted 10 field goals or more and only made three field goals or fewer. His points, rebounds, assists, steals, field goal percentage and 3-point percentages are all down from the numbers he posted last season with the Washington Wizards.

However, he is the only player on the entire roster to appear in all 54 games the Lakers have played. James has missed 17 games. Anthony Davis has missed 21. Kendrick Nunn, signed to the mid-level exception this offseason after Patty Mills picked Brooklyn over Los Angeles, has yet to play a single game.

That is to say, there's been plenty more obstacles to this Lakers season than Westbrook's turnovers and missed shots.

«I haven't been part of a season like this where injuries have played such a toll, but also protocols, false protocols, positive protocols, head coach