Newly-appointed Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham faced the media on Monday and unsurprisingly, one of the hottest topics of conversation was the future of Russell Westbrook in LA. Based on what the 48-year-old shot-caller is saying here, it appears that Russ is here to stay.
Ham had nothing but praise for Westbrook, who himself had a totally forgettable debut campaign with the Lakers last season. There have been whispers about the former league MVP potentially leaving the team this summer, but it sounds like Ham has thrown him a lifeline here:
“Russ is one of the best players our league has ever seen and there is still a ton left in that tank. I don't know why people tend to try to write him off,” Ham said, via ClutchPoints on Twitter.
"Russ is one of the best players our league has ever seen and there is still a ton left in that tank. I don't know why people tend to try to write him off"
— Darvin Ham on Russell Westbrookpic.twitter.com/KUuf6ki1vy
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 6, 2022
Ham then revealed that he's been in contact with Westbrook since his arrival and that they've had some very productive discussions with regard to how the new coach envisions Russ' role with the Lakers this coming season:
“Russ and I have had some really, really great 1-on-1 convos man,” Ham said. “The biggest word that came out of those discussions were sacrifice. That was the biggest word… and it's not just Russ”
"Russ and I have had some really, really great 1-on-1 convos man. The biggest word that came out of those discussions were sacrifice. That was the biggest word… and it's not just Russ"
— Darvin Ham on his conversations with Russell Westbrookpic.twitter.com/lwVjKH3ijq
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 6, 2022
Westbrook isn't exactly the most well-loved player among Lakers fans right now, and there's no denying that there are more than a few folks out there who'd like to see him go. However, it is clear that Ham wants to give the nine-time All-Star a clean slate and a second chance.
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