Lakers Share Final Decision on Russell Westbrook Role

The Los Angeles Lakers trusted Russell Westbrook enough and gave him a big role on the court. The one-time NBA MVP is coming off of a bad season. He started 78 games last season, averaging 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.

Rob Pelinka is still trying to find a good trade partner and get great players in the Westbrook trade. If he doesn’t trade Russ, Darvin Ham will carve out a good role for him. Ramona Shelburne from ESPN reported that the Lakers will probably use Westbrook as a starter. They did trade for Patrick Beverley and got Dennis Schroder, but Westbrook is a brilliant player and he is one of the most competitive players in the NBA. He wasn’t a good fit for the 2021-22 roster, but things may change in the near future.

“From what I understand now, they still see Russell Westbrook as a starter,” Shelburne said. “He’s a former MVP. He’s given that respect. Everyone’s gonna compete for jobs. … Russell Westbrook is the starter there.”

Lakers consider finding a strong role for Russell Westbrook

The Lakers will have a nice lineup in the upcoming season. CBS Sports reported that Westbrook will join Beverley, Juan Toscano-Anderson, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis in the starting lineup. Will Russ and Bev really work well together?

“I see them working together fabulously, man,” Ham said. “Their games complement one another. I wouldn’t want to be in a backcourt and deal with these two guys. …If they play defense. We’ve got a while. That’s still a ways off, but definitely. … It’s definitely a bullet in the chamber. We’re looking forward to it, man. Those guys in the backcourt together, man.”

Westbrook is coming off of a bad season. Lakers fans are frustrated and even call him names. Well, the talented player is actually trying to improve his skill set, including his jumper. The Lakers front office trusts Westbrook and hopefully, he will do a good job in the upcoming season.

Russ transformed his jumpshot ? pic.twitter.com/ZzzBtNihJw

— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) September 16, 2022