The LeBron James-Russell Westbrook “beef” is common knowledge now. It intensified when James shook hands with the Clippers players on the court, except Westbrook. Standing in the top spot of the highest triple-doubles in the league, Russell has never played off the bench since his rookie season in OKC. For the newly appointed Coach Ham to try that in 2022 was the last straw for The Brodie.

The Lakers coach had tried that during the team’s preseason finals and Westbrook blamed his hamstring injury on that. Though Ham has addressed this subject many times over, many veterans and fans can’t help but feel that Darvin Ham’s involvement could have been a reason for the alleged LeBron-Russell beef.

Coach Ham’s idea to switch things up might have caused more trouble than warranted

The list of veteran point guard Westbrook’s achievements is quite long and significant. From 9x NBA All-Star to 2x NBA All-Star Game MVP, the man is a true gem. When the Lakers management appointed Darvin Ham as the new coach, they expected big changes. Ham didn’t disappoint. At least not the fans or management. But it’s safe to assume that Westbrook was affronted.

Gil’s Arenas co-host, Kenyon Martin, is also of the same opinion. On their latest podcast episode, he had some strong words for the Lakers coach’s hand in LeBron’s beef with Russell. “I f***ing dare you! … Playing these two motherf***ers in front of me?”

Martin says that he can understand the fact that Darvin is new to the team. But to put players like Beverly and Reaves in the starting lineup when a veteran player like Russell is available came with a whole new level of disrespect. Then again, it would be an isolated opinion as well.

Many felt that it was high time that Russell Westbrook was traded. The chemistry or rhythm that the training team expected to happen with Lakers legend LeBron and Russell wasn’t coming. On that note, why don’t we go back a year to see if Ham’s decision was a good one for the team?

Was it really a surprise to see Russell Westbrook play off the bench?

Let’s get straight down to business. Many would argue that Westbrook’s career averages in the 2021-22 season are pretty much his worst. He averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists while shooting 44.4% from the floor and 29.8% from the deep. In 78 games.

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Talking about the whole blown-out-of-proportion fiasco, Darvin Ham had said that it wasn’t a “demotion; it’s a realignment.”

Letting Westbrook take control of the second unit would allow him more free rein on the court. More time for the ball to be in his hands as opposed to playing with LeBron or AD. This was Ham’s reasoning for his decision. And it did not necessarily mean ‘Brodie’ would never be part of a starting lineup. Things weren’t looking up for the Lakers then, and Coach Ham did what he thought was best for the team.

Anyway, Westbrook is part of the Clippers Big 3 now and LeBron has his battles to fight. Though there seemed to be some kind of tension between the two superstars, we can be sure that they are going to be focusing on their team and its success.

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