3 burning questions for the Los Angeles Lakers down the stretch
By Dalton Sell
2. Will the Los Angeles Lakers demote Russell Westbrook to the bench?
Aside from health, another issue for the Lakers this season has been Russell Westbrook and his fit on the roster. From the moment LA traded for the former MVP this past offseason, fans scratched their heads in confusion as there were questions and concerns about how Westbrook would make things work alongside two other stars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Well, those fans were right to be concerned, as things have backfired for the Lakers and the situation is growing tense.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, people within the Lakers organization have pushed for Westbrook to come off the bench. However, coach Vogel, who has been on the hot seat all season, has refused to demote the guard.
Wojnarowski added that things are currently tense between Westbrook and Vogel, as the pair had some sort of clash during a recent film session and that the coaching staff and the guard have differing views on how to utilize him.
Of course, Vogel benched Westbrook throughout a recent fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers, which caused quite a stir when the coach told reporters he was “playing the guys that I thought were gonna win the game.”
Although Westbrook himself may disagree, moving him to that bench role may indeed be the best thing for him. It would allow him to take on more ball-handling responsibility when LeBron James is off the floor, giving Westbrook more freedom to play his style.
It would certainly be a bold move to bring a point guard making $44 million this season off the bench, but given the team’s current state and a play-in appearance hanging in the balance, anything should be in the cards.
While the Lakers did manage to secure a significant win over the Golden State Warriors recently, they have been spiraling out of control lately, and the team may need a shake-up to try and save their season.
Many have suggested that moving the former MVP to the bench would fit the billing in that regard. Only time will tell if Vogel ultimately makes the decision to send Westbrook to the second unit.