“I’m excited for Russ being on our team” Darvin Ham reveals Russell Westbrook’s fit in his newly-shaped LA Lakers
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Darvin Ham and Los Angles Lakers stars LeBron James, Russell Westbrook
Fans would be aware that there have been various speculations around Russell Westbrook and his future with the 17x NBA Champions, Los Angeles Lakers. The purple and gold franchise was considered in dilemma with the Russell’s ability to perform, but new Head Coach-Darvin Ham considers him as one of the most important players for the team. He was often criticized by Los Angeles Lakers fans over the course of the 2021-22 season. Many people were unhappy with his inefficient and turnover-heavy play style.
Darvin Ham offered a sneak preview into what his star guard could offer the team going forward.
Westbrook was often considered in several trade talks in the free agency period, mainly in the swap for Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets and many people around the organization see him not being part of the franchise in the next season. However, LA Lakers head coach Darvin Ham has other ideas.
Darvin Ham is happy with Russell Westbrook and Los Angeles Lakers’ current roaster
2022 Los Angeles Lakers team was strong on paper but couldn’t perform to their full potential. And Russell Westbrook was heavily targeted for the team’s poor show. He was high profile addition to the 2020 NBA Champions, which didn’t work out for the Los Angeles Lakers. Considering the poor performance and the drama of last season, Westbrook and the Lakers seem to have agreed upon a mutual break.
But the change in the personnel at Head Coach Position might have changed their perspective towards the former MVP, Russ. Ham has also hinted at certain plans for the guard in the future. Speaking about the matter during the LA Lakers’ Summer League showcase, Darvin Ham said, “Russ, in my opinion, is in great shape. He’s durable. In this system, this ‘four-out, one-in’ system, he’s going to have a chance to screen-and-roll and make plays. He’s going to have a chance to run on the break, slash, get layups.”
Darvin Ham already showed excitement during his introductory press conference. Pointing out the things that Westbrook is capable of doing on the court, Darvin Ham added, “He’s going to have chances to sprint out to the corner, flatten the defense, get corner threes, as well as the things he already does well in terms of getting the ball and pushing the pace and pushing the tempo. So I’m excited as hell to have Russell Westbrook on our team.”
The general consensus in LA has been to move Westbrook for the betterment of both parties. But the comments made by Ham are misleading to some degree. Given the expectations Ham has of the superstar, Westbrook may be in for a pretty solid season in Ham’s system. Ham is known for getting better out of the players, especially super-star players, but unfortunately, there isn’t much confidence regarding his stay with the Lakers.
Darvin Ham’s excitement over Westbrook’s potential could be a sign of positive change for 17-time NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers. However, given the progression of trade talks involving Kyrie Irving, the situation could take another turn. The current pitch could be considered for uplifting Russ’ trade value.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)