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NBA Fans in Utter Dismay as Increased Tensions Inside the Lakers Franchise Could Hamper the Future for Russell Westbrook
The Los Angeles Lakers have been struggling for the entire season now. Russell Westbrook’s acquisition did not bring forth the results one expected, eventually compromising the team’s position on the points table. Meanwhile, as per recent reports, there is pressure on head coach Frank Vogel to pull Westbrook out of the starting lineup.
However, Vogel might just be resisting for now. Russ, who is a 14-season veteran in the NBA, has always played as one of the league’s best. Demoting him to a reserve might not be the best for his upcoming career and can further become cause of worry for the Lake Show.
Send Russ home already @Lakers
Vogel showing him the proper respect, but this ain’t the time for that https://t.co/88FU1r0HY5
— JP – The Wholesome Truth Teller (@jay_pea619) March 6, 2022
Fans discuss Russell Westbrook playing as a reserve for the Lakers
Considering the reports, fans had conflicting responses to Westbrook being benched. While some want him as a reserve, some believe the Lakers need to change strategies to get him to play better. Though he might not be scoring or performing to his potential, Westbrook is certainly not as bad as people probably think him to be.
Let’s take a look at some of the reactions:
Westbrook off the bench
DJ Augustin https://t.co/LwIzF5tDN1
— Juwan (@JuwanTLSM) March 6, 2022
Maybe a good move. Save Russ’ legs for next season, and let Bron play and increase Brons trade value so you can get a good return on Brons expiring contract in the summer and a multi-man return on AD as well. Problem solved. No sarcasm.
— TJ Perkins (@MegaTJP) March 6, 2022
Lakers fans: BRING RUSS OFF THE BENCH
Frank Vogel:pic.twitter.com/7rxp8ZmLYA
— George Coulouras (@georgecoulouras) March 6, 2022
Furthermore, the Lakers still have some time till the play-in tournament to make any such change and test a new starting five.
Though a championship might not be on the tables this year, they can surely pull off a playoff run.
He’s playing bad, but not so bad to the point where he should be benched. We have no better options to play as point guard and this will just make future stars not want to come to LA if we do this
— IS THIS YOUR KING?! (@RuthlessCuler) March 6, 2022
Many fans chose to support Westbrook, hoping for a better performance soon. Some also noted that while it might seem unusual at first, Westbrook coming off the bench with an undecided role might actually work better.
Also Russ lookin at his 47 million player option pic.twitter.com/p7cxZDl1BH
— Vinny (@thenamesvinny) March 6, 2022
Interestingly, fans also brought up his contract, which pays Westbrook over $40 million per year. If they do indeed bench Westbrook, fans wonder if he will be the highest-paid sixth man ever.
Frank Vogel on Westbrook’s game
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Lakers’ coaching staff and the 2017 NBA MVP have a different set of ideas. While there is some cause for concern, Vogel pressed on the hope that Westbrook (18.1 PPG) will play better as the season progresses. This sounds somewhat something similar to what he pulled off with the Washington Wizards last season.
Jan 19, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots against Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon (7) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
“We have discussions, just like the front office has thousands of trade discussions every deadline, and they don’t discuss every one of those,” Vogel said about the topic. He hinted that while they do talk, no discussion about Westbrook’s trade might come to fruition.
READ MORE: Gary Payton Gives a Harrowing Take on the life of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s Widow Vanessa
Currently, the Lakers are placed ninth in the Western Conference. They won their last game against the Golden State Warriors, and will face the San Antonio Spurs next.
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