Lakers strongly considering bringing Russell Westbrook off bench / News - Basketnews.com

Los Angeles Lakers strongly consider the prospect of Russell Westbrook coming off the bench.

Credit: AP – Scanpix Credit AP – Scanpix

Russell Westbrook didn't get involved in the trade carousel this off-season, while his role with the Los Angeles Lakers could be changing in a major way.

The 33-year-old star hasn't come off the bench since his rookie season, but it might be a possibility with the Purple & Gold next season.

"The prospect of Westbrook coming off the bench is being strongly considered,"Jovan Buha and Sam Amickof The Athletic reported.

On Friday, the Lakers re-signed guard Dennis Schroder, who is in his second stint with the team after spending last season with the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets.

The Los Angeles club acquired Patrick Beverley this off-season as well.

At a minimum, it seems clear Westbrook will have to outplay Beverley and Schroder if he's going to retain his starting role, The Athletic reports.

As with most lineup constructions ahead of training camp and the season, it remains a very fluid situation. But The Athletic's sources say first-year head coach Darvin Ham, with the full backing of the organization, is ready and willing to make whatever difficult rotation decisions might lie ahead in the interest of team success.

Assuming Russell Westbrook isn't traded anytime soon — and there are strong indications he won't be — a final determination will be most dependent on how training camp and pre-season take shape, the American media giant further writes.

Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star, averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists with 10 triple-doubles while shooting 44.4 percent from the floor and 29.8 percent from deep in 78 starts last season.

However, the Lakers were eliminated from playoff contention with a team that did not jell. Further, head coach Frank Vogel was dismissed.

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