Appearing on The Dan Patrick Show, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham gave an honest assessment of Russell Westbrook‘s potential role with the team next season, as relayed by Heavy.com.
“I think the style of play we’re going to have, you know, all of those guys — not only just Russ but LeBron, AD — they’re going to be able to share the load,” Ham said as part of a larger quote. The Lakers’ new coach also mentioned that he’s challenged Westbrook to defend at a high level and the former MVP has accepted the challenge.
Here are some other notes from the Western Conference:
- Vrenz Bleijenbergh has accepted a summer league invitation from the Suns, he announced on social media (Twitter link). The Las Vegas Summer League will be held from July 7-17 this year. Bleijenbergh, 21, is a 6’10 forward who played in Spain and with the Windy City Bulls this season. He went undrafted last year.
- Longtime Suns employee Melissa Fender Panagiotakopoulos, who had been working for the franchise since 2007, resigned from her position last month and alleged that she was targeted and retaliated against by her superiors after voicing concerns about gender equity within the organization, reports Baxter Holmes of ESPN. While Panagiotakopoulos didn’t reference any issues with Robert Sarver in her complaint, the Suns’ owner remains under investigation due to allegations that he engaged in misogynistic behavior and created a toxic work environment
- Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman examines the Thunder‘s draft outlook, which includes how the team is tied to Shaedon Sharpe and other miscellaneous notes. Among those notes is forward Jalen Williams, who worked out for Oklahoma City and has reportedly climbed draft boards. “It’s a well-run organization,” Williams said of the Thunder. “They have a lot of culture and history with good players. They’re really structured. It was a really cool experience to see how disciplined they were and see how serious they take even the little things during the workout.”
Was surprised Bleijenbergh didnt get drafted. Pretty skilled player for his size. Needs alot of work of course but not a bad project player
He would make a good 2 way contract player
“The Lakers’ new coach also mentioned that he’s challenged Westbrook to defend at a high level and the former MVP has accepted the challenge.”
Well, good thing that’s settled.
Unsettling is a better description
Yea, Greene. Russ says “I accept “. Coach says…”good talk, Russ”! Cross that off my clipboard
Regular season
If Westbrook plays like Al Horford or Chris Paul on both ends, Lakers would win 55 games next season
Let’s get real
First half
21-20
Second half
14-27
Due to injury and other issues
Lakers prediction
35 wins season
Westbrook is not getting any younger but he still believes he is worth a max contract. No team will be willing to give him a max contract after his contract expires this season.
Doesn’t matter who is the coach BRON BRON at some point early on with start acting like the coach on the floor and the GM the. His way goes all to hell he will blame someone else. Anyone thinking any player except an old washed up has been wants to play with him is simply naive
Players follow the money usually. Try to get James out of your thoughts, hater.
@yep
the hate consumes you.
JalenW had pretty modest aggregate stats. Per 40′: 21-5-5. He may have inspired talk that the Cavs may trade down, but maybe they should be careful about that, if he’s rising. #14 should be worth it.
Trade 14 for 22&29? That will come up.
Accepting and actually doing are two different things
I think the Lakers bounce back next year. AD has something to prove. Westbrook is In a contract year so he may play some D. Nunn and Monk did not get to play together. THT should be better with another off season.
AD always has something to prove, but he can’t stay healthy. Lakers traded their 3 and D player Kuzma, backup 5 Montrezl and their best defender at guard KCP. Not sure how they can possibly contend with the Clippers and the champs.
If sharpe somehow drops to 7, I think the thunder will trade up and get him. But I don’t see Sac or Detroit passing on him.
Westbrook is gonna shoot better from the perimeter this season.
Will be very noticeable, his improved shooting ;)
He consistently shoots between 30-39% on any shot outside of 3 ft from the rim. That is same from year to year. He is not going to magically start shooting better because Darvin Ham is his coach.
Sarcasm?
Panagiotakopoulosintoyutrpokisbiopulikitos probably has a good case given previous allegations against Sarver.
Her name indicates that a job with the Bucks is a possibility.