“One of my goals selfishly is to get him in the conversation for 6th Man of the Year” Darvin Ham wants Russell Westbrook to get his hands on 6MOY as he comes off-the-bench
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Darvin Ham talks about Russell Westbrook
Russel Westbrook has been riding high in the last 3 games coming off the bench. Lakers’ coach Darvin Ham has been highly appreciative of Westbrook’s performance. During the media interaction after the game against Denver, while Ham was happy about Westbrook’s performance he got emotional talking about his recent struggles. Westbrook recorded an impressive 13 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds, and 1 block performance against the Pelicans.
Darvin Ham is well aware of the energy that Westbrook brings into the lineup and his style of play that could well be used to fire up the bench lineup when LeBron and AD are not on the court. Speaking about Westbrook’s stellar performance in the post-game media interaction after the win against Pelicans in overtime, “One of my goals is selfishly is get him in the conversation for sixth man of the year”, Darvin Ham said.
As The Athletic’s Jovan Buha reported at the beginning of the season, “[Ham]will have more power to bench Westbrook down the stretch of games,” and that power, “could eventually extend to removing Westbrook from the starting lineup.” Since the beginning of the 2022-23 season, Ham has been very vocal about the Westbrook situation and has tried using him with different lineups which until recently has resulted in him coming off the bench. Initially, the idea did receive resistance from Westbrook but lately, he has embraced the role. Talking to the reporters he said that his coming off the bench is, “beneficial for everybody”.
Russell Westbrook and Frank Vogel clashed over a plethora of issues one of which being Brodie’s late-game usage. Vogel benched Westbrook on a few occasions believing that other Lakers players had earned the right to close for the team. Being the fierce competitor and superstar that Russel Westbrook is, obviously did not sit well with him. Darvin Ham has been so far successful in convincing Westbrook in accepting his new role.
Darvin Ham and the Lakers win their 2nd consecutive game. Have the Lakers solution in Westbrook’s new role?
Los Angeles Lakers have recorded their 2nd win of the season under their new coach Darvin Ham. The win against the Pelicans was a much-needed win for the Lakers. Russel Westbrook has been outstanding for the team in the last three games. The team and coach Darvin Ham have all praised the former MVP for the energy that he brings to the game.
Talking about Westbrook, Austin Reaves said, “It brings a different feel for sure, especially with Russ, you see him getting active, feeling himself… His energy, his demeanor, and the way he plays can really be a staple for the bench guys.” Westbrook has been molding himself in the new role on the other hand.
“Whether it’s assisting, scoring, rebounding, defending, I’m the person that prides myself on doing everything, each and every night, and I want to be able to have that trickle-down effect on the guys that I’m on the floor with”, he said. LeBron James scored 20 points and 8 assists, and Anthony Davis was once again outstanding with 20 points and 4 blocks. Lonnie Walker comes in clutch with 28 points in 40 minutes.
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