Report: Frank Vogel Isn’t Only Lakers Coach Russell Westbrook Beefs With

The regular season is over and the Los Angeles Lakers are already planning their next step. They waived Trevor Ariza and fired Frank Vogel. What’s next? Cutting Russell Westbrook? When it comes to these two, we can’t ignore the reports of Westbrook’s beef with the Lakers head coach. According to most recent reports, the former Lakers head coach isn’t the only coach Westbrook beefs with.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the nine-time All-Star had a thing with Lakers assistant coach David Fizdale early in the season.

“Throughout the NBA, teams are also keeping an eye on how the Lakers manage the Westbrook situation. Westbrook has a player option for $47 million this offseason, which he is expected to pick up,” Charania detailed. “Westbrook remained a professional throughout the season, but his partnership with Vogel failed to gain traction as the season went on. In an early-season film session, assistant coach David Fizdale challenged Westbrook on his shot selection, and the two had an animated exchange, sources said. That was one of the instances when Westbrook was challenged by a coach or teammate, and the style the coaching staff envisioned for Westbrook did not match what took place on the court.”

The former Lakers head coach isn’t the only coach Westbrook beefs with

Everything points to the fact that Westbrook was far from happy in Los Angeles. He went nuclear on the franchise, claiming that they never gave him a real chance. He wasn’t a good fit for the Lakers. That’s all. Even Ice Cube believes that Westbrook should take a sit and think about all the turnovers and bricks he made instead of placing the blame on others.

Westbrook’s argument with Vogel was the cherry on top. He didn’t forget to mention that he has never had an argument with other coaches. So, we should blame Vogel for the whole situation? I don’t think so.

“I think it’s unfortunate to be honest because I’ve never had an issue with any of my coaches before,” Westbrook said in the exit press conference. “I’m not sure what his issue was with me or I’m not sure why, but I can’t really give you an answer to why we really never connected. That’s something that he has to answer, but I never, from the get-go, was feeling like (we were on the same page.) I was having to try to prove myself to him and my capabilities and what I’ve been able to do for this game and it’s unfortunate but it’s really not (my fault). It’s kind of out of my hands.”

NBA analysts predicted Westbrook’s departure a couple of months ago. His struggles were just too much. Pelinka didn’t trade him at the deadline, but he should definitely make a move right now.