There have been a lot of speculation around Russell Westbrook’s role in this Los Angeles Lakers team under new coach Darvin Ham. It seems like his role won’t change much from last season but he needs to put up better statistics in certain areas in comparison to last season. However there was talk where people said Westbrook will be downgraded into a rotation role and will look to help the Lakers from the bench.
In the Lakers preseason against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Westbrook was once again a shadow of his last season as he was clearly struggling. Recently in the ‘First Things First’ podcast Chris Broussard is convinced that the former MVP is going to struggle this season and whatever happened in the preseason is only a preview of what is coming.
Broussard shared how Westbrook is not a role player and that wont change overnight which the Lakers want him to be. “This is a harbinger of what’s to come. Russell Westbrook is not built to be a role player and that’s what they’re asking him to be. Last night, in 25 minutes, he took three shots. They want Russ to be a role player and I think he’s sincere.”
The NBA expert also shared how Westbrook will try and try very hard but he also highlights how the player does not have the mentality or skill set to feature as a player who can impact the game from the bench. “I think he’s gonna try, I think he’s gonna say the right things but he doesn’t have the mentality, the makeup, or even the skill set. It’s gonna come out in body language, facial expressions, and sighs,” Broussard pointed out.
While there were disappointments from the preseason matches, there were some games where Westbrook looked like his former self. But when things didn’t work out again, frustration crept in and it boiled over to him not joining a team huddle called by Patrick Beverley. Although Westbrook feels it is just a casual incident which has been overblown by the media but people and the Lakers fans know the exact situation with the roster.
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