The drama with the Los Angeles Lakers just seems to never stop.
All summer long, the talk and speculation was about Russell Westbrook and if he would remain with the team.
At first, most people expected him to be traded during the offseason.
Then, everyone came to terms with the fact that no other team was willing to pay for him and his massive contract so he’d remain in LA.
The plan was for Westbrook to be with the troubled franchise when they began their new season on Tuesday night.
After an examination, Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook is dealing with a sore left hamstring with no structural damage and will be listed as day-to-day, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 16, 2022
But that plan might not work out.
It is now being reported that Westbrook is dealing with a sore left hamstring and is “day-to-day” just hours before the new season kicks off.
League sources say that there is no structural damage to Westbrook so this isn’t a long-term injury but he might not be ready to jump into the game this week.
This news comes right as his role and future with the team remain murky as ever.
Westbrook Off The Bench
The timing of this injury is very suspicious to some.
Just a few days ago, head coach Darvin Ham made the substantial decision to not start Westbrook, a first for the former MVP.
With that move, Westbrook became a bench player, a move that stunned some.
After coming off the bench, Westbrook played for just a few minutes before experiencing a hamstring injury and walking off the court.
This raised a few eyebrows: Westbrook rarely gets injured and then happens to hurt himself just minutes into his new, lessened role with the team.
It’s been a rough week for Westbrook, between this injury and speculation about his chemistry with the team.
Fans of the Lakers were already exhausted by all this drama before the season even started.
Is there more to come?
NEXT: The Lakers Made A Life-Changing Roster Choice