Perhaps the biggest storyline for the Los Angeles Lakers this season is how well (or poorly) Russell Westbrook will fit in.
After how badly things went between him and the rest of the team last year, there is a huge amount of pressure on him to somehow make things work.
However, not all of the onus is on Westbrook. Some of it falls on new head coach Darvin Ham, who has taken the initiative to forge a working relationship with him and let him know what he expects.
Then there is the role LeBron James needs to play as the engine and dominant personality of the Lakers.
One former Laker, Matt Barnes, thinks James needs to sacrifice a little to help Westbrook play his role well and for the team to be successful.
Via Lakers Daily:
“Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Matt Barnes had an interesting take on how LeBron James can help Russell Westbrook thrive in the 2022-23 NBA season.
“‘I think Bron may have to take a small step back to allow Russ to be Russ,’ Barnes said. ‘You think – you get older your game’s going to change a little bit. You’re going to find a way. I think Russ is going to be Russ. And I think what makes him great sometimes is his downfall.’
“‘But one thing I do know: You can’t put Russell Westbrook in the corner. He’s always had the ball in his hands. So, we all know the Lakers are at their best when Bron has the ball in his hands, but I think that, what could happen is allow Russ to have the ball in his hands the first two and a half quarters to really get a feel. Obviously, Bron’s going to have it sometimes there. A.D. (Anthony Davis) will have it sometimes there.’
“‘But, allowing Russ to get his rhythm, so by the time LeBron takes over at the middle of the third quarter and the fourth quarter, when he has the ball is his hands the majority of the time, Russ is already in rhythm.'”
If the right formula is found, it could not only allow Westbrook to thrive, but it could also help preserve the 37-year-old James and help keep him healthy and fresh for what L.A. hopes will be an extended playoff run.
There will certainly have to be a delicate give-and-take, as the Lakers need to play around Westbrook’s strengths to a certain extent while making sure he sticks to the role Ham has given him and doesn’t play too individualistically.
There was reportedly awkwardness between the two men during the summer. James was reportedly pushing to have Westbrook traded to make the Lakers a contender again. But since training camp started, there have been no signs of that awkwardness lingering around.
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