The Lakers are expected to bring Russell Westbrook off the bench when he returns to action following a hamstring-related absence, allowing him to be the primary play-maker for the team’s second unit, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (via Twitter).
Westbrook, who missed Wednesday’s game in Denver, was originally listed as questionable for Friday’s contest in Minnesota, but has since been upgraded to probable, tweets Kyle Goon of the Southern California News Group.
Anthony Davis continues to be listed as questionable for Friday due to low back tightness and is considered a game-time decision. If Davis misses the game, that could keep Westbrook in the starting lineup, Wojnarowski notes (via Twitter).
However, Davis did participate in the Lakers’ Friday shootaround. According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN (Twitter link), the team used a starting five of Davis, LeBron James, Patrick Beverley, Lonnie Walker, and Damian Jones during that shootaround.
The Lakers attempted to bring Westbrook off the bench in their preseason finale two weeks ago, but the experiment lasted just five minutes before he left the game due to a hamstring injury. The former MVP later said that he thought not being in the starting lineup was a factor in his injury, since he didn’t have the same pregame routine he has grown accustomed to.
Still, it sounds like the Lakers and head coach Darvin Ham still believe the idea of Westbrook joining the second unit has merit. Even if it doesn’t happen on Friday, it appears L.A. will try it again sooner or later — if it works, the team intends to stick with it for the foreseeable future, per Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
Makes a ton of sense
He’s the ultimate 6th man
Gunner microwave scorer
Take 12 attempts in all the fringe minutes
Against bench defense
It’s last call for alcohol!!!! Russell Westbrook have to buy into the 6th man role. It’s the best role for him at this stage of his career.
We need Anthony Davis to be healthy.
As poor as the Lakers offense and shooting been
I like the defense and think they can turn the season around. Guys just need to start making a reasonable amount of threes
Yup hate it when my 2k player who is still at 75 overall is moved to defend the starters because he be getting smoked.
Smh just trade the guy. I mean they were clearly preparing for him not to be there when they acquired Beverley & Schröder. Definitely thought he’d be gone by now. Dragging it on & on isn’t helping
Since no team wants Westbrook releasing him would be the best option. Trading him means sending out draft picks that the Lakers should be holding on to instead.
If they wait a few weeks for some teams to give up on the season; someone might be interested in him because it’s a large expiring contract and playing him will increase their Wemby odds without drawing tanking scrutiny from the league.
“Smh just trade the guy.”
Wow, what a concept. I wonder if the Lakers have even thought of that! Especially since so many teams would want to acquire him!
This is gonna go baaaaaaadly…
His hamstrings are in peril now!
Westbrook and two unprotected firsts for LaVine
Hm I like Lavine but I would consider that except it doesn’t match salary
Why in the world would Chicago do that?
Wtf Russ you don’t do the same pre game conditioning when you are a reserve as when you are a starter? Gimme a break, you just looooove to point fingers.
Really bad teammate. Just get rid of him.
Guys like Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson, Steph Curry and John Wall came off the bench and none of them had a problem with it. Russ has a big ego and a low basketball IQ.
Lol right? Dude be making excuses
Westbrook n nunn for Bamba okeke n cole Anthony …?
The Magic laugh and hang up the phone. Even with 2 firsts, that seems off. Also, pretty sure the salary doesn’t match.
Grab your popcorn this is going to get interesting
How about NOT bringing him off the bench and just leaving him ON it instead??
Yeah, bringing Russ off the bench will fix the Lakers!
Well at least we will all know where that clanking sound will come from. Unless he does the Westbrick special and hits the top of the goal