Russell Westbrook will experience a whole new experience, that of the sixth man. It is in this role that the Los Angeles Lakers point guard will be tested tonight once morest the Kings for the last pre-season game for Darvin Ham’s men.
Some franchises are stable, have had a quiet offseason, and are picking up the same ones to start over. This is not the case of the Los Angeles Lakers, but it will not surprise anyone. One case in particular is on everyone’s lips, that of Russell Westbrook. The MVP of the 2016-17 season has lost its luster in recent years, and has not really managed to win in California. So obviously, we thought he would leave but no, he is still there, ready to help, sometimes even wanting to do a little too much when he had better step back.
Russell Westbrook stayed, then, and a problem arose: the Lakers have too many point guards, too many guards, and the traffic jam is a real headache for coach Darvin Ham. So a somewhat far-fetched solution, especially in the mind of the principal concerned, was mentioned. Often postponed in the past, it will even be put in place this evening: Russell Westbrook off the bench!
ESPN reporting with @Mcten: The Lakers are planning to bring Russell Westbrook off the bench in the final preseason game vs. Kings tonight (ESPN, 10 ET). Darvin Ham and Westbrook have been exploring possibility of Westbrook quarterbacking second unit and they’ll try it tonight.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 14, 2022
According to Dave McMenamine, the Lakers will start Russell Westbrook on the bench for their final preseason meeting tonight once morest the Kings. Darvin Ham and Westbrook investigated the possibility of him being the leader of the second unit, and they’re going to try that tonight. – Adrian Wojnarowski
This option would leave more room for Patrick Beverley, less demanding of the ball and better defender, and might give a boost to substitutes of not necessarily superior quality. Especially if Dennis Schröder, injured finger a few days ago, were to miss games at the start of the season. If all this works and the experience is renewed in the regular season, we can say of this harmless match that it was a small revolution, a first important moment in the Lakers season.
That’s it, the story is on, Russell Westbrook has finally agreed to be tried in a sixth man role. First test therefore tonight, at 4:00 am, once morest the Sacramento Kings. The first step towards a 6MOY title for Russ? Do not put the cart before the horse.
