βOne of the biggest things for me getting this job was for him to get that respectβ - Darvin Ham gets emotional talking about criticism Russell Westbrook has endured
Darvin Ham has lauded Russell Westbrook for his influential performance off the bench for the LA Lakers against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. Westbrook delivered his best performance of the year, tallying 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists on 50% shooting as the Lakers won 121-110.
He was instrumental in helping LA break its 0-5 skid to start the season. Westbrook also got the fans going as they cheered him on throughout the night, which saw him enjoying himself to the fullest.
The Lakers faithful haven't been as supportive of Russell Westbrook since his arrival. Consequently, the improved engagement between the two parties pleased Darvin Ham. Here's what he said about it after the game (via Ball is Life):
"I can't even imagine what that kid is going through. One of the biggest things about me getting this job was for him to get that respect that he deserved because a lot of what went on last year was not his fault. Everything, all the blame was placed on him."
An emotional Darvin Ham talks about Russell Westbrook after the Lakers' first win of the season https://t.co/9eE3puL8vk
Russell Westbrook shouldered the bulk of the blame after the LA Lakers failed to qualify for the playoffs last season. He averaged 18/7/7 on 44% shooting and while those numbers were decent, they were not up to the standards expected of him.
However, while he was often dug out by fans and analysts, Russ wasn't the only reason for the team's terrible season.
The LA Lakers didn't construct a well-balanced roster in the 2021 offseason and were the oldest team in the league. They struggled defensively all year and were one of the worst shooting teams. LeBron James and Anthony Davis also missed plenty of time due to injuries.
Westbrook didn't start the current season in great form either. However, his performance against the Nuggets in a new role as leader of the bench mob gives LA plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
Russell Westbrook:
18 PTS / 8 REB / 8 AST / +18 https://t.co/xHSTczUQBD
Darvin Ham backing Russell Westbrook could pay off for the LA Lakers
Darvin Ham has preached time and again that he wants Russell Westbrook to thrive with the LA Lakers. Westbrook's naysayers believed he was done and could be out of the league, but Ham thought otherwise. He has tried to help the former MVP improve in multiple areas.
The first-year coach seems to have connected well with Westbrook. He convinced Russ to come off the bench, a move that paid tremendous dividends against the Denver Nuggets. Westbrook seemed to have rediscovered his swagger, with the Lakers benefitting from his energy off the bench.
He got the opportunity to run the offense as the true point guard on the team against the Nuggets, which helped him excel. This also led to LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing more freely as they combined for 49 points in the win.
Westbrook put role players like Lonnie Walker IV, Austin Reaves, Wenyen Gabriel and Matt Ryan in a great position to make an impact offensively as well.
@NBATVRussell Westbrook was having great day in the office π
π₯ @NBATV https://t.co/VGxaQNTyg7
Russell Westbrook has also looked as committed as ever on the defensive end of the floor. He showed glimpses of his OKC Thunder days in the game against the Nuggets.
Darvin Ham deserves plenty of credit for allowing Westbrook to get into that zone, despite all the noise surrounding the nine-time All-Star. What Russ and the LA Lakers now need to find is consistency.