Russell Westbrook’s bench trial could begin Friday in Minnesota.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Friday that the Los Angeles Lakers may bring Westbrook off the bench. The idea behind the move is that the Patriots point guard will lead the Lakers’ second unit off the floor with LeBron James. Wojnarowski reports that Westbrook is coming off the bench for the foreseeable future depending on Anthony Davis’ health.
Westbrook coming off the bench is the Lakers’ plan for the future, sources told ESPN. You’ll see how it goes tonight – barring Anthony Davis from sitting with his back. https://t.co/vmTiQQTsKu
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 28, 2022
Stadium’s Shams Charania reports that Westbrook has improved for the game. He missed Wednesday’s game against Denver with the injury.
It’s not the first time Lakers coach Darwin Hamm has tried this idea. Westbrook came off the bench in the preseason finale against Sacramento. Westbrook blamed the injury on the bench in pregame practice.
It is unclear who will replace Westbrook in the starting lineup. In Wednesday’s game, they started Austin Reaves with Patrick Beverley in the backcourt. In Westbrook’s absence, the Revs had eight points and two rebounds. He shot 3-5 from the field, including two of three three-pointers in the loss. This game Russell Westbrook It was his first time without a start since his rookie season in 2009.
Westbrook struggled early this offseason with trade rumors and uncertainty over his role with the team. He is averaging 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists on a 28.9% field goal percentage.
The 0-4 Lakers face the 3-2 Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday at 8 p.m.
