NBA: Crucial Update On Russell Westbrook Ahead Of Timberwolves Vs Lakers Match

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook is reportedly doubtful for their upcoming clash witagainst Minnesota Timberwolves in the ongoing NBA season.

Westbrook has a hamstring injury and is "questionable" for Friday's game against Timberwolves, according to Underdog NBA.

The 33-year-old sustained a left hamstring injury in the Lakers' preseason finale. he was then forced to leave the team's matchup with the Kings in the first quarter. He later admitted that changing his routine from starting to coming off the bench "absolutely" influenced his injury because he had "been doing the same thing for 14 years straight," reported Sporting News.

The Lakers are currently 0-4, having lost to the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets. They are placed at the bottom of the Western Conference table.

The nine-time NBA All-Star player missed Lakers' previous game, which ended in a 110-99 loss against Denver Nuggets. In his first three matches of the ongoing campaign, he is averaging 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.0 steals per contest.

The 17-time NBA winners went just 33-49 last season and missed the NBA Playoffs (and play-in tournament). Westbrook, who averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists per contest in 78 games, faced criticisms from the fans and media for Lakers' struggles the last term.

Westbrook, who earned the NBA Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) in the 2016–17 season, is into his second season at Lakers.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are coming into Friday's fixture with a 3-2 record in their first five games of the season.

Following their trip to Minnesota to face off against Timberwolves, Lakers will return to Los Angeles for four straight games at home. They will host the Nuggets (Sunday), Pelicans (Nov. 2), Jazz (Nov. 4) and Cavaliers (Nov. 6).

Before the start of the current season, it was reported that Westbrook was close to leaving Lakers, with San Antonio Spurs being one of the possible destinations. Apart from Spurs, even Utah Jazz were believed to be interested in securing Westbrook as a part of their rebuilding project where they were looking to discard several veterans.