Lakers’ Feelings Toward Russell Westbrook Entering Training Camp Reported

The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t trade Russell Westbrook this summer and it seems like they have made a big decision about his role in training camp.

Dan Woike from the Los Angeles Times reported that Rob Pelinka doesn’t mind entering training camp with the one-time MVP on his roster.

“Sources say the Lakers are comfortable heading into training camp with Westbrook on their roster, hoping new coach Darvin Ham can unlock increased intensity on defense while another season with (LeBron) James and (Anthony) Davis makes life easier on offense,” Woike wrote.

Russell Westbrook will have a role in the Lakers training camp

The Los Angeles Lakers showed interest in many players. They are looking for the perfect trade partner and yes, they may find one in Utah and Indiana. Where will Westbrook go next? Will he stay in LA? Here’s a catch. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham respects Westbrook and he’d love to have him on the roster. Russ attended his introductory press conference. These two can work really well together.

Ham may be the only person to find a solution to Westbrook’s situation. Marc Stein reported that Ham has a plan for the veteran. Of course, Pelinka has to keep him on the roster first.

“Yet I am also hearing that, if no trade involving Westbrook materializes and if he is on the roster when the Lakers start practicing on Sept. 27, new Lakers coach Darvin Ham remains determined to carve out a real role for Westbrook,” Stein wrote. “Sources say that the Lakers, to date, have strongly resisted the idea of shelving Westbrook completely until they can find a trade for him like the Rockets tried last season with John Wall — even after trading for longtime Westbrook adversary Patrick Beverley. Westbrook, who turns 34 in November, appeared in 78 of the Lakers’ 82 games last season.”

Westbrook had a bad season with the Lakers and fans are frustrated by his presence. In the 2021-22 season, Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists while going 44.4% from the field, 29.8% from beyond the arc, and 66.7% from the free-throw line.