The Los Angeles Lakers have been making some pretty substantial moves lately.
They signed both Patrick Beverley and Dennis Schroder, which suggests they are focusing on improving their backcourt.
To some, this means that the team is just trying to beef up its bench.
However, others feel that this is a sign that the Lakers are moving past Russell Westbrook and actively looking to replace him.
The latest inside reporting says that’s simply not the case.
REPORT: The Los Angeles Lakers still see Russell Westbrook as the starting point guard for the team, per @ramonashelburne. pic.twitter.com/XM1D3oabVA
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 19, 2022
Ramona Shelburne says that the Lakers “still see Russell Westbrook as the starting point guard for the team.”
This is a bit surprising but it speaks to the faith that head coach Darvin Ham has in Westbrook.
It’s a faith he has reiterated again and again – and it could either be well-placed or horribly mistaken.
Westbrook Winning Again?
Ham has stated that he has plans to help Westbrook get back on track and become the player he once was.
Fans are sure hoping he knows what he’s talking about and this plan works.
It’s now no secret that the Lakers have been trying to trade Westbrook but haven’t found any suitors in the league.
While that was always their Plan A, they have also been formulating a Plan B in case Westbrook doesn’t leave the team.
The idea of Westbrook remaining the starting point guard is obviously Plan B.
However, some fans haven’t given up hope on Westbrook having a much better second season with the Lakers.
Sometimes, people need to experience bad times to get a fire lit under them and work harder than ever before.
Will that be the case with Westbrook?
If not and he continues to struggle with the Lakers, you can bet they will trade away anything they must to get rid of him by the middle of the season.
NEXT: Stats Prove Dennis Schroder Should Succeed With The Lakers