Early this season, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham moved Russell Westbrook to the bench in a sixth man role, and it has appeared to work reasonably well.
The former MVP’s shooting efficiency in that role is no higher than it was last season, but he has had a positive impact on the team by pushing the pace, attacking the paint and getting others involved.
However, a report indicates the Lakers are still unsure if having Westbrook on the team, particularly next to LeBron James, will get the job done, especially when it matters most.
Via Lakers Daily:
“The Lakers have moved Westbrook to the bench this season, where he’s thrived in a sixth man role, but it may not be enough for the team to keep him on the roster through the trade deadline.
“‘But concerns persist internally that Westbrook doesn’t complement LeBron James and that the mix of stars may not work in the postseason when rotations shorten,’ Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus wrote. ‘The Lakers also have guards Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn (all three expiring contracts) as trade pieces for a smaller deal — or with Westbrook in a potential blockbuster.'”
It appears the Lakers may have pivoted to trying to package Kendrick Nunn and Patrick Beverley in any potential deal instead of Westbrook. However, if a can’t-miss deal involving Westbrook presents itself, don’t be surprised to see L.A. pull the trigger.
