"Let's give him a chance to see how he does in a Darvin Ham system" - Lakers coach on Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook had a dismal 2021-22 season with the Lakers. However, with the arrival of Darvin Ham, things could get better for him.

Russell Westbrook has been on fire coming off the bench for the LA Lakers (Image credit: Twitter)
By Godwin Matthew | Jul 20, 2022 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Russell Westbrook had an abysmal 2021-22 season with the LA Lakers. Having come into the team after yet another triple-double year, there were a lot of expectations from him. However, the former MVP looked off-beat right from the word go. Many expected him to be the first player that the Purple and Gold would trade in the offseason. But his value seems to have diminished and no team has shown interest in acquiring his services.

This may lead to Russell Westbrook spending another season in his hometown of LA. Although it doesn’t sound all that exciting, LA Lakers head coach Darvin Ham seems really happy about having the nine-time All-Star on the team. Since his introductory press conference, the 48-year-old has only heaped praise on Westbrook. Once again while talking about the point guard on “The VC Show,” Ham had only positive things to say about Russ.

“My thing is, let’s give him a chance to see how he does in a Darvin Ham system, with Darvin Ham principles, before we start dismissing him. And one of my first goals and what I was able to do that was to connect with him and try to make an appeal to him like, look man whats in the rearview mirror is in the rear view mirror, we got this big windshield of opportunity that we looking forward that I know how Imma be able to move you around and use you in different ways and I think it’s gonna be phenomenal.”

Russell Westbrook has been a mainstay in the headlines ever since he parted ways with his long-time agent Thad Foucher. It was believed that the two had differences in opinions regarding Russ’ career. His official statement gave a picture that the former MVP was looking for a move away from the team. However, right after that, another source cleared the air and stated that the guard never asked for a trade away from the Lakers.

It is still unclear what his future with the team could look like. But with each passing day, the rumors of his imminent trade seem to be dying. There is still a lot of time left in the season and anything could unfold till then. However, if the 33-year-old decides to stay with the Purple and Gold, coach Darvin Ham certainly has plans on how to make him great again.

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Russell Westbrook hopes to be a tyrant on defense next season

Russell Westbrook played the most games for the LA Lakers last season. However, he was not able to create as much impact as the team would have liked. There is no doubt that he is one of the best guards in the game. But things never looked to be going right for him under Frank Vogel. The team’s new head coach, Darvin Ham is one of the best defensive minds in the game. He was part of the 2004 Detroit Pistons which was known to be a defensive powerhouse.

In his stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, Ham worked with the likes of Jrue Holiday and Giannis Antetokounmpo. All these are signs that Ham could bring defensive discipline to the Lakers. The 48-year-old believes that a big role in making that happen belongs to Russell Westbrook. He even mentioned that in his introductory press conference. However, Ham has stated that even Russ is ready to take up that role.

“The first thing I know he mentioned to all of us, Jeanie, Rob was that he is going to be a tyrant on defense like a total pitbull, so Ima hold him to that.”

Only time will tell if running it back with Russell Westbrook is going to work for the Lakers or not. But one thing certain is that a completely new side of the nine-time All-Star could be unlocked with the arrival of Darvin Ham.