Former NBA champion gives scathing indictment on Russell Westbrook-LA Lakers situation
Darvin Ham and the LA Lakers coaching staff are desperately trying to figure out how to solve the Russell Westbrook enigma. Ham was previously very positive he’d be a great fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis but has backtracked on that idea recently.
ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins had this to say on when the Lakers and Westbrook will eventually work:
“The month of Neveruary. They would never figure it out. The Lakers will never figure it out when it comes down to the Russell Westbrook situation, whether that’s bringing him off the bench to whatever the case may be.
“It’s just not going to work with Russ. I think the relationship is pretty much over. Darvin Ham is trying his best, but at the end of the day, this Lakers roster, the way that it’s constructed, Russell Westbrook is not gonna be in full acceptance of this sixth-man role for the Lakers.”
When will Russ and the Lakers figure it out?
@KendrickPerkins: "The month of Neveruary..." 😅 https://t.co/a1l5RfPP8P
Darvin Ham played with words in his latest attempt to incorporate Russell Westbrook better into the lineup. Instead of calling it as it is, which is a demotion, the head coach termed Westbrook’s new off-the-bench role a realignment.
The move may not just be a preseason strategy as well. The LA Lakers are looking for an extended time allowing "Russ being Russ" when LeBron James and Anthony Davis get a breather.
The idea behind the strategy is supposedly based on two assumptions. James and Davis will be fresher during the season as Russ has enough opportunities to carry the load. Having the former MVP handle the scoring and playmaking duties could go a long way towards the season's crunch time.
Russell Westbrook will be brought off the bench tonight vs. the Kings, per @Wojespn and @mcten
Westbrook and coach Darvin Ham have discussed him leading the team's second unit https://t.co/RjEXgJmwk3
The second rationale is to make the most of Russell Westbrook’s ability to lead underdogs. He was excellent in that role during his stint with the OKC Thunder and the Washington Wizards. Ham’s reasoning, however, begs the question: Will "Brodie" stay on the floor during the crucial moments of the game?
Frank Vogel was reportedly fired for failing to make the most out of the nine-time All-Star. The LA Lakers are unlikely to do the same in Darvin Ham's the first year of his head-coaching gig. But it also means that Westbrook will be out of Hollywood as soon as the Lakers get a deal that makes sense to them.
Russell Westbrook’s status remains unconfirmed
Russell Westbrook played only five minutes before he was pulled out of the Sacramento Kings preseason game due to a left hamstring strain. It was the only few sample minutes Darvin Ham has of the former MVP running the LA Lakers’ second unit.
Westbrook practiced with the team after the hamstring issue but is listed as probable in the Lakers’ opener against the Golden State Warriors. Ham will also not give any confirmation on Westbrook’s status with the team moving forward.
Darvin Ham says that Russell Westbrook remains day-to-day with his left hamstring strain. Westbrook was able to participate in Monday’s light practice, per Ham.
The new Lakers shot-caller will continue to evaluate the rest of the roster and find the best combinations to win games. More likely than not, Westbrook’s role with the bench mob will continue until he is traded.
There is much incentive for the Lakers to continue their wait-and-see approach even as they look towards a tough few fixtures to start the season. More players who can better fit the team could be available once the tanking for Victor Wembanyama goes full blast.