Russell Westbrook is one of the best players in the NBA. His stats are impressive and he has been an MVP, four-time all-star, and six-time All-NBA player. He is a two-time champion and Finals MVP. He has been a captain for the Oklahoma City Thunder and now he’s coming off of the bench for the LA Lakers.
He was traded to LA at the beginning of this season after he requested a trade from Oklahoma City. Westbrook played on a team with James Harden, Chris Paul, and Carmelo Anthony before they were traded to Houston in 2017. The team had three superstars on it so it was hard to find playing time for Westbrook which led him to request a trade out of Oklahoma City.
The Lakers have been struggling this season but they are starting to get their act together with Westbrook as a starter on their bench instead of Jordan Clarkson who was previously starting for them at point guard before being traded to Phoenix in February.
Russell Westbrook came off the bench Friday as the Los Angeles Lakers finished their preseason schedule in Sacramento for the first time since he was a rookie.
At the 7:30 mark of the first quarter, Westbrook entered the contest; five minutes later, he left the game due to a hamstring injury. Westbrook was held scoreless, missed a few 3-point attempts, and made two mistakes over those five minutes. It was intriguing that Westbrook joined LeBron James on the field.
Ham said before the game, “We discussed it yesterday, and it’s something we touched on here and there during the summer. “Man, he’s been a pro. In and out of the workplace, Russ is one of the most charming people I’ve ever met in this industry.
He fully comprehended. wholeheartedly stated, “Yeah coach, whatever you need me to do,” looking me in the eye. You can’t just assume that.
Ham claimed that if the coach liked the way the switch looked, the door wasn’t closed on Westbrook coming back into the starting lineup or on him staying as the sixth man.
But, similar to how the Lakers’ recent seasons have gone, injuries prevented the team from conducting a thorough analysis.