Lakers Make Major Decision On Russell Westbrook’s Future After Signing Dennis Schroder

The Los Angeles Lakers have Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley on their roster, but Rob Pelinka decided to add Dennis Schroder. Many interpreted this addition as a direct threat for Westbrook’s future with the team. Darvin Ham is a big fan of Westbrook and he would do his best to keep him playing at a high level. What does this mean?

Sam Amick and Jovan Buha from The Athletic reported that the Lakers may consider using Westbrook off the bench.

“With training camp roughly a week away and the team recently conducting players-only workouts at its El Segundo practice facility, the prospect of Westbrook being part of the Lakers’ program — again — is becoming more real by the day. And yes, sources say, that’s still the case after the Friday news from our Shams Charania that veteran point guard Dennis Schröder is returning to the Lakers this season,” Amick and Buha reported. “Yet, while the Lakers have been hopeful the Westbrook experiment might be a success this time, sources with knowledge of the situation told The Athletic that the prospect of Westbrook coming off the bench is being strongly considered.”

Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder could do wonders together

Ham had nothing but words of praise for Westbrook. He admires his great work and experience. Westbrook is more valuable than most fans would ever admit and Ham knows it. Will he really use Russ as a bench player?

“Everything has been clear and upfront between he and I,” Ham said. “Like, he’s been a pleasure. I’ve been a huge fan throughout his time in the league. He’s a salt of the earth. And again, he wants to win. I want to help him get that championship ring. But it starts here. It starts today. Yes it starts with the buy-in. It starts with supporting your teammates and supporting a vision and doing that and working your butt off day in and day out.

“Everyone’s quick to look at the destination but you really have to appreciate the journey and respect and embrace the journey. He’s been that since Day 1. Anytime I call him or I need him, text messages. The communication has been great both ways. He’s in here. He’s in here putting in the work. I love him and I can’t wait to coach him and I can’t wait to succeed with him.”