Lakers Have ‘Clear Plan’ For Russell Westbrook This Offseason

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason with a few major needs. Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka signed a lot of veterans last season, but his experiment didn’t work. The team also traded for an All-Star, hoping to add even more power to the roster. The Lakers look like they have a plan for Russell Westbrook this offseason, but fans have a few good reasons to ask questions.

Russ joined the Lakers through a big trade last season. Pelinka traded Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Montrezl Harrell in order to get Westbrook from the Washington Wizards. It was a huge move for the purple and gold, but Westbrook didn’t meet expectations. LeBron James was really disappointed and the Lakers missed the NBA Finals again.

Firing Frank Vogel was the first move Pelinka made this offseason. The former Lakers head coach led the team to a title in 2019-2020, but the last couple of seasons were really disappointing. Darvin Ham joined the Lakers as their new head coach. Westbrook attended his introductory press conference and it seems like these two have a strong bond.

Lakers plan to use Russell Westbrook

Ham’s comments made us believe that Westbrook won’t leave the franchise this season.

“I got a wholehearted plan, a clear plan on how I’m going to use him. Showed it to him, sat down, brought stuff up for him. I think he’s going to flourish,” the Lakers head coach said. 

These comments made people talk. Did Ham get the job just because he had a solution to Westbrook?

“Wonder if Ham prefers Westbrook to Kyrie. Kyrie the better player at this stages of career, but at least you know Westbrook will be there every single day. Interesting dilemma,” said Robert Littal.

Wonder if Ham prefers Westbrook to Kyrie.

Kyrie the better player at this stages of career, but at least you know Westbrook will be there every single day. Interesting dilemma https://t.co/7oOmvkDBGa

— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) July 7, 2022

“Wow it’s embarrassing how much I like Darvin Ham lmao,” said Mike Guardabascio. “This is a powerful and insightful interview with Coach Darvin Ham. I suggest everybody should read it, especially Lakers fans,” a fan wrote. 

Wow it’s embarrassing how much I like Darvin Ham lmao https://t.co/D77CRo9kyc

— Mike Guardabascio (@Guardabascio) July 7, 2022

If Westbrook stays on the roster, he will have to do his best, otherwise the Lakers will trade him without a second thought.