The Los Angeles Lakers are in a serious rut right now and Russell Westbrook is a focal point of their struggles. His frustrations hit an all-time low on Thursday night after a loss to the Clippers when he had it out with a reporter over his “expectations” coming to LA.

Amid Westbrook's inability to produce offensively, the Lakers staff and players have reportedly tried to change his role and approach to the game. Well, Russ isn't responding kindly to it, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

Jousting with reporters in press conferences is apparently not the only push-back from under fire Lakers guard Russell Westbrook. There have been no shortage of defiance, im told, when coaches and players have tried to broach changes or approach with the former MVP. For all the obvious complexities involved in trying to move Westbrook when he's owed $47 million next season, one league source described the idea of bringing him back as impossible given the current tension.

This is interesting, to say the least. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel has explored bringing Russ off the bench in the fourth quarter at times, but to be honest, whatever Westbrook is doing lately is simply not working. It's now 10 straight games for him of 20 points or less, while also barely playmaking at the level we're used to seeing from the veteran. Also, it already feels like a foregone conclusion the Lakers will take the L and try to get rid of Westbrook in the offseason, so that's not exactly a surprise.

Whether there's truth to this rumor or not, it's clear Russ must change his approach in order to actually contribute in a positive manner to the Lakers. They absolutely need him to step up if the playoffs are going to be a reality. LeBron James can't do it all on his own, especially when Anthony Davis is also injured.