The Los Angeles Lakers barely came away with a win against the Washington Wizards in their last matchup. The Lakers won by a two-point margin with no Anthony Davis in the lineup. But what was even more surprising was that Lakers head coach Darvin Ham decided to keep Russell Westbrook on the bench during the final minutes of the game. And this just did not sit well with Westbrook?s brother.
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The Lakers won the game against the Wizards, 119-117. It was a matchup that could?ve gone either way in the final minute of the fourth quarter. But LeBron James was able to pull something off from his expansive arsenal to get the Lakers the win.
Russell Westbrook’s brother takes issue
Russell Westbrook was nowhere to be seen during crunch time, because head coach Ham had decided to bench him. And this ended up causing Westbrook?s brother to react to Darvin ham?s decision. Raynard Westbrook tweeted, ?Lol.?
Fans too sided with Ray over the fact that Westbrook wasn?t utilized during the game?s final minutes. One fan tweeted, ?He?s right.? If your not going to play him , then trade him.?
He’s right. If your not going to play him , then trade him.
— Real Sturdy 🧠👁✊🏽 (@KingSmoove009) December 19, 2022
Another fan commented, ?Russell does not deserve this situation. He needs to be freed. He is a good point guard. Darvon Ham just doesn?t realize what he has in Russ.?
Russell does not deserve this situation. He needs to be freed. He is a good point guard. Darvon Ham just doesn’t realize what he has in Russ
— James Hinna 🚀 🚀 (@Jay_SZNNN) December 19, 2022
Here are some more reactions from Twitter.
He’s basically unplayable late in games, what’s there to be mad about
— Ant D. Roger (@szn_ant) December 19, 2022
I thought that was kind of unusual as well especially with no AD in the lineup, but they won the game, so this doesn't seem like the best time to voice your displeasure on his playing time.
— A S (@AnujSha113) December 19, 2022
Whenever he’s benched in the 4th, they win. When he plays, they end up losing 🤷🏻♂️
— Jacob Lerum (@JdLerum) December 19, 2022
Is team first. He was having a bad game and Ham rolled with was working in the 4th and they won. Stop complaining. Is not about Russ. Is about the team
— Dr. Jonathan Reyes, DC🇵🇷 (@Jonatha01833784) December 19, 2022
While some may have sided with Westbrook and his brother for not playing him, other fans reasoned why the decision to keep him on the bench was the right one.
Russell Westbrook started off this season as the starting point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, some terrible late-game decisions may have cost him the starting role on the team.
The decision to move Russell Westbrook to the bench
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The last straw that broke the camel’s back in case of Russell Westbrook was an ill-advised shot during one of the Lakers’ initial games against the Portland Trail Blazers. Since then, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham has utilized some other tactics and methods to get the most out of Westbrook?s talents.
Ham did say at the start of the season that he will involve Westbrook in talks for the Sixth Man of the Year Award. Russ has been one of the Lakers’ better players since coming off the bench.
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Westbrook?s numbers may not have displayed that big of a difference but his gameplay has certainly changed. He is now looking to control the pace of the game, drive in for easy layups and find teammates for open shots.
So, Ham?s decision to push Westbrook to the bench has been working out after all.