Former Bulls Head Coach Believes Russell Westbrook Should Come Off the Bench

Despite the fact that LeBron James was missing from the Los Angeles Lakers lineup against the San Antonio Spurs, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis came through for the team just like everyone imagined when Westbrook joined the purple and gold in the offseason. It seemed like the worst was over for the Lakers.

If they could play so well without Bron, imagine what they could do with him. Spoke too soon, right? The very next game, they lost to their easiest matchup so far, the Oklahoma City Thunder. This is something nobody had expected and at this time, the Lakers will probably take any advice they can get. In fact, Chicago Bulls’ head coach Jim Boylen has some suggestions regarding Westbrook.

Should Russell Westbrook not be a starter for the Lakers?

It all seemed like a smooth sailing victory for the Lakers during the first half, but a very unfortunate second half landed them on the losing side against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 123-115 score. A team that hadn’t bagged a single victory so far was able to take over the so-called ‘super team’ of this season.

Anthony Davis ended the night with 30 points. Even Russell Westbrook managed his first triple-double with his new team with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists. However, on the downside, he even had 10 turnovers and was eventually ejected from the game, courtesy of his second technical foul.

While most think the AD and Russell combo is still one to look out for, Chicago Bulls’ Jim Boylen feels otherwise. He said, “Russell playing with the second group more…What about maybe coming off the bench and playing as backup, making other guys better? He’s a brilliant passer, he tries to make people better. He plays (all out), which we respect. He’s tough as nails. But his decisions need to improve.”

Former Bulls head coach Jim Boylen believes Russell Westbrook should come off the bench (Via NBA TV):pic.twitter.com/yfpkNmGuis https://t.co/FbXekWNPY5

— 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣’ 𝙉𝘽𝘼 (@_Talkin_NBA) October 28, 2021

WATCH THIS STORY: Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis Carrying the Game to OT, Dejounte Murray’s Triple Double and Other Highlights From Lakers vs Spurs

Not so great without LeBron, after all?

Wins tend to get to fans’ heads. When the Lakers won against the Spurs without him, they thought this team can do wonders without Bron as well. But nobody thought of it from a different angle.

Oct 27, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) is grabbed by the head for a technical against Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) on a play during the second half at Paycom Center. Oklahoma City won 123-115. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

If Russ and AD had to pull off their best performance to defeat them, that goes to show how significant LeBron James‘ presence is in the team. Moreover, do you think the Lakers should try to bring Westbrook off the bench? Or should they wait it out till their third superstar gets back before they make any hasty decisions?

READ MORE: ‘Worst Loss I’ve Seen’: Lakers Legend James Worthy Hammers Team for Embarrassing Loss vs Thunder

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