The Russell Westbrook trade did not pan out for the Los Angeles Lakers in year one. Los Angeles missed the playoffs, despite starting the season as one of the favorites to win the championship. Westbrook never quite fit in with the team, but that was not the only problem they faced.

Head coach Frank Vogel struggled to make adjustments, which led to his firing at the end of the season. The Lakers also faced injuries to stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, making it hard for the team to find a rhythm.

General manager Rob Pelinka also deserves some of the blame. He surrounded the stars with older role players. Los Angeles simply couldn't keep up with other teams, and this offseason is crucial to bouncing back next season.

Many Lakers fans are hoping Westbrook is traded, but it is a real possibility that he will return. He has a $47 million player option, and teams around the league don't want to take that on without added draft capital. A big part of the hiring process for the new head coach involved finding a way to make Westbrook fit. With that said, here are three reasons the Russell Westbrook experiment can still work for LeBron James and the Lakers.

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3 Reasons Russell Westbrook Can Fit with the Lakers

1. Younger, Better Role Players Around the Stars

One of the main problems with the Lakers last season was their talent around the big three. The energy and effort, especially on the defensive end, led to major struggles for the Lakers. Young guys like Stanley Johnson, Austin Reaves, and Wenyen Gabriel played impactful minutes.

Surrounding the big three with more talent would help the team and Westbrook improve. He is a gifted player, but at times was trying to do too much and take over games. They weren't getting much contribution from the role players offensively. Getting a better supporting cast would take the stress off of Westbrook and allow him to play more freely.

2. LeBron and AD Staying Healthy

While the role players contributed to the Lakers' problem, LeBron and AD missing significant time was too hard to overcome. The last time the superstar duo stayed healthy for a full season was in 2020, when the Lakers won their 17th championship. But that was the COVID-shortened season.

Westbrook didn't get enough games with LeBron and AD to find his role and thrive. He would often only be playing with one of them or be the only star on the floor. In the limited games they did play together, the trio had flashes of greatness. At the start of the season, a LeBron and Westbrook pick-and-roll was utilized late in games with Davis as a cutter. It had success as LeBron and Westbrook would get an open look for the cutting Davis or a basket themselves.

Plays like this gave a glimpse of what the trio can be like when they are fully healthy. If LeBron and AD can stay on the floor, a lot more success will come.

3. New Head Coach Darvin Ham

Los Angeles made their decision on a new head coach by signing Darvin Ham to a four-year deal. Ham has been an assistant for the Milwaukee Bucks over the last four years and was an assistant for the Lakers from 2011 to 2013.

He reportedly impressed the Lakers and checked all of their boxes. Ham is a strong locker room voice and has worked with superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo. As a former player, he receives respect from the players, which will help him with the three stars on the team.

Finding a fit for Westbrook was a part of the coaching hiring process. Ham likely has a good idea, which has the biggest chance of helping Westbrook get back to the best version he can be. This past season, Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists. He shot 44.4 percent from the field and 29.8 percent from behind the arc.

Ham's new scheme will be vital in getting him back on track.

Los Angeles has a crucial offseason ahead, but they made a great start with the hiring of Ham. While fans may prefer a trade, the Westbrook experiment can still work for LeBron and the Lakers.