Lakers News: Will Russell Westbrook Start? Guard Could Come Off Bench In 2022-23

Russell Westbrook might not be part of the Los Angeles Lakers' starting lineup when the team opens the 2022-23 NBA season Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors. Westbrook and head coach Darvin Ham have been exploring the possibility of the point guard coming off the bench, according to ESPN.

When the Lakers play the Sacramento Kings Friday in their final preseason game, Westbrook is expected to start the contest on the bench. Los Angeles will see how Westbrook performs with the second unit before making the veteran a sixth man for meaningful games.

Westbrook started all 78 of the games he played for the Lakers last season. The former MVP hasn't come off the bench since he was a rookie in the 2008-09 season.

There's a hope that Westbrook can play freer and faster with ball in his hands on second unit -- and have to worry less about fitting away from ball around the starting group. It is certainly an idea they'll continue to discuss with start of regular season next week.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 14, 2022

It's been clear to most observers that Westbrook and the Lakers would be better off with the guard as a bench player. Because of his need to have the ball in his hands and his poor shooting ability, Westbrook is a poor fit alongside LeBron James.

A week before training camp, The Athletic reported that the idea of Westbrook coming off the bench was being strongly considered. It was in contrast to what Ham had previously said about Westbrook's role on the Lakers.

"Yes, indeed," Ham told Andscape's Marc Spears in the summer when asked if he sees Westbrook as a starter. "It's just the way we're going to play and the type of people that's going to be out there on the floor, that's the biggest thing."

James, Westbrook, Anthony Davis, Patrick Beverley and Lonnie Walker started in Wednesday's 118-113 preseason loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. While James and Davis combined for 44 points and 24 rebounds, Westbrook was limited to five points, three rebounds, four assists and three turnovers in 25 minutes.

Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game in his first season with the Lakers. It was his lowest scoring average since his second season in the league.

The Lakers tried to trade Westbrook during the offseason. Los Angeles was unable to find a taker for the guard and his $47 million salary without having to give up multiple first-round draft picks.

If the Lakers aren't one of the best teams in the Western Conference, Westbrook's name will likely continue to be in trade rumors during the season.