LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook led the way as the Los Angeles Lakers won their first game of the season. The win comes after the team got off to a horrendous start to the season, losing the opening five ballgames. The 121-110 win against the Denver Nuggets might prove crucial and inject some life into the team going forward.

This was also the second-straight game with Westbrook coming off the bench. He hadn’t come off the bench in a regular season game since his rookie season.? However, head coach Darwin Ham seems to have this as part of the Lakers’ game plan for the foreseeable future.

In the postgame presser, Ham discussed his team’s first win of the season. He emphasized that they needed to prove themselves something and that he was pleased with how his squad responded throughout the game.

Westbrook’s move to the bench, which he had resisted for some time, was also discussed by the Lakers’ head coach. He was visibly emotional?when he spoke about the former MVP’s new role, stating, “I told him he’s going to thrive, man. Just trust me.”?

“I’m so happy, man. I can’t even imagine what that kid has been going through,” he added. Ham then remarked that one of the most important reasons he got this job was to enable Westbrook to regain the respect he deserves. He further stated that he assured the guard that he would put him in a position to succeed with the group. He did, however, urge the player to put the group ahead of him.

Westbrook flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. His performance and Ham’s statement might put an end to the trade speculations that have shadowed the guard since last season.

Russell Westbrook and trade speculations have gone hand in hand since last season

The Lakers added Russell Westbrook to the mix last season, hoping to make a run for the NBA gold. The idea of a trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Westbrook mesmerized the franchise’s front office. However, their aspirations for the season were cruelly dashed as they failed to even make the playoffs.

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It’s fair to say that Westbrook struggled to find his footing in his first season as a Laker. He wasn’t the ideal fit alongside James and Davis, and Frank Vogel struggled all season to utilize the guard to his strengths. Eventually, his game suffered and many threw him under the bus for the Lakers’ shortcomings. As a result, the former MVP has been the subject of trade rumors since last season.?

The Lakers were also reported to be looking at potential trade packages centered around Westbrook. His massive contract, however, served as a roadblock for the team in steering clear of its guard. However, with Darwin Ham’s comments and Westbrook looking to flourish in his new role, those trade rumors may be put to rest.

It will be intriguing to watch how Brodie and the Lakers perform going forward. Their victory over the Indiana Pacers is undoubtedly a confidence booster for both parties.

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What do you think the future holds for Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers? Please express your thoughts in the comments section?below.