The Russell Westbrook saga has been going on for several weeks now. After every few days, a new report indicates how keen the Lakers are to send Westbrook to other teams. However, the head coach Darvin has been on team Westbrook for all this time. Recently, Darvin has again praised Westbrook for his dedication and patience for the team. What did the head coach have to say about the point guard? Keep reading to find out.
Darvin Ham Praising Russell Westbrook Amid Losing Streak!
On Friday night, the Lakers suffered another defeat to the Timberwolves, becoming just the third team in franchise history to begin a season 0-5 overall. However, Los Angeles was able to draw at least one positive from their most recent setback. Russell Westbrook sat on the bench for the first time since his rookie season. He gave his team some much-needed zest to one of the league\’s lowest-scoring reserve groupings. In 33 minutes, he scored 18 points, grabbed eight rebounds, had three assists, and committed five turnovers. Apparently, this was easily Westbrook\’s best outing of the season so far.
Russ had impressive stats, but he also showed a burst and athleticism that had not been seen for most of his career in Los Angeles, let alone just one season. Rudy Gobert is normally a barrier in the paint. But he got out on the break, moved downward, and finished around the rim. Since his surge in the second half of the previous season\’s game against Charlotte, this is the most encouraging performance Russ has given. He had an appearance akin to an older Russell Westbrook. And he seemed to be enjoying his new position.
The nine-time All-Star was complimented for his contributions by Lakers coach Darvin Ham, who removed Westbrook from the starting lineup after just three starts. Ham noted that Westbrook came off the bench and demonstrated the effect he can have in that reserve role while bolstering our bench. Darvin Ham additionally disclosed that whenever the team begins to regain healthy bodies, he anticipates seeing Russell Westbrook in it more.
Lakers supporters have plenty of reasons to be enthusiastic about this. There is a chance that LeBron and Russ can succeed if Russell Westbrook genuinely accepts playing on second units. And having his minutes scattered more significantly than LeBron\’s. There were times the two performed exceptionally well together, even on Wednesday.
Nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA, two-time scoring champion, and one-time NBA MVP Westbrook has a long list of accomplishments. Additionally, four times—most recently in 2020–21 with the Washington Wizards—he averaged a triple-double. But Russell Westbrook had difficulties last year, and they have only grown worse since then. However, if Westbrook\’s performance against the Timberwolves is any indication that he is rediscovering his flow it is a truly encouraging outcome for the Lakers organization.
Also Read Darvin Ham Shocked By LeBron James & Russell Westbrook’s Comments, To Focus On Improving 3 Pointers