The Los Angeles Lakers were able to solve one of the biggest questions marks for their team this offseason, filling the void in the head coaching spot with Darvin Ham. But arguably the most contentious decision left is the one on Russell Westbrook.
There have been numerous reports and a few little nuggets that suggested that Russell Westbrook's days in a Lakers uniform are over with a trade imminent. The former league MVP very conspicuously wiped his Instagram clean of any traces of purple and gold after a full calendar year of Lakers content. He has since done a re-scrub of other content and left a photo wearing a Lakers uniform on as his oldest post. Lot to take in if you're a fan of reading the social media tea leaves.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/61Ar04k91qqxag5lQwOEe3?si=ed5d91133a624f9b
But perhaps a more indicative move was how the Lakers approached their coaching search that led to the Darvin Ham move. It sure looks as though they're gearing up to give things another go with Russ. According to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, it's become a “directive” for Ham to solve the Westbrook conundrum, which was a vital part of their interview process for potential coaches.
Via Woj:
One of Ham's most important directives: finding a way to incorporate future Hall of Fame guard Russell Westbrook into the franchise's framework with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. It was a significant subject of every Lakers coaching interview in the process, sources said.
Russell Westbrook didn't have the dreamiest of seasons in his return to LA, but he still shows signs of life every few games as to the kind of dynamic talent that he has. A change in coaching direction and perhaps a few more reliable knockdown shooters could be the cure that the Lakers have been looking for. LeBron James and co. at least seem willing to find out.
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