Russell Westbrook in Los Angeles may have found a new chapter in his story.
Following Tuesday night’s season-opening loss to the Golden State Warriors, Westbrook spoke about the hamstring injury he suffered in the preseason. His role in the game was due to injury coming from the bench.
“I’ve been doing the same thing for 14 years,” Westbrook said. “I honestly didn’t know what to do before a game. To be honest, I was trying to figure out how to be warm and loose. It’s something I’m not used to.”
Head coach Darwin Hamm was trying to experiment with the idea of Westbrook leading the second division when LeBron James was off the floor. Being a point guard is not a role Russell Westbrook is used to playing in his 15-year NBA career. He hasn’t come off the bench in a regular season game since his rookie season in 2009.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darwin Hamm on Russell Westbrook coming off the bench tonight: “It’s not a demotion; It’s a fix.”
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 15, 2022
Westbrook hasn’t officially been benched since starting with Patrick Beverley in the winter opener. Last season, Westbrook made a similar complaint to then-head coach Frank Vogel about minutes. In all 78 games he has played, Westbrook has been benched for the longest period of time. At the time, Colin Ward-Henninger of CBS Sports suggested that the minute adjustment was the cause of the back injury.
“It comes and goes,” Westbrook said. “I’m not used to sitting down for long periods of time and getting up and moving quickly. It will harden a little bit. “
Russell Westbrook’s offseason dilemma
This is the year It adds to the growing pile of drama Russell Westbrook has faced since being traded to the Lakers in 2021. Trade rumors have followed Westbrook since last season. In addition, the purchase of Patrick Beverley has created a logjam in the back. The guard spots are crowded between Westbrook, Beverley, Austin Reaves, Lonnie Walker and Dennis Schroder.
In a recent preseason game against Minnesota, Westbrook was seen ignoring the huddle. The Lakers team’s worst appearance has led to uncertainty.
Russell Westbrook hugs the team 👀😬 pic.twitter.com/3zrpBplZua
— Laker Files (@LakerFiles) October 13, 2022
Tuesday night’s 123-109 loss wasn’t a great start for the team, but there are 81 more games for Russell Westbrook, Darwin Hamm and the Lakers.
