Report Suggests Lakers Hoping For Russell Westbrook Turnaround Under New Coach

After the Lakers’ disastrous season ended, it was generally assumed that both Russell Westbrook and the team would be looking to part ways. But perhaps that isn’t the plan, after all.

According to a new report, the Lakers were upset with former coach Frank Vogel’s handling of Westbrook, to the point where they could be expecting him to get back to his previous form under a new coach.

Per Sam Amrick of The Athletic:

“I’m starting to wonder if the Lakers might not trade Russell Westbrook this summer after all. And no, not just because Oram made a compelling argument on Monday as to why they should think twice about it.

When the decision was made to fire Vogel, sources say his handling of Westbrook and the inability to find a way to make him a more productive part of the program were among the factors that played a big part. There was a strong sense that it was on Vogel to make the Westbrook experiment work, and the fact that it didn’t led to questions about whether Westbrook had been put in a position to succeed. That sure smells like the hope of a Russ revival to me.

And how’s this for a tidbit to tie this thread up: Phil Jackson is known to have been a fan of Westbrook’s throughout his career. Sources say Phil Jackson has no interest in taking on this coaching job (or any other) himself — let’s just stop that rumor right here — but his view of Westbrook is relevant. As we’ve established, Jackson’s voice matters again.”

Frank Vogel’s handling of Russell Westbrook and the inability to make him a more productive part of the team played a big role in his firing, sources tell @sam_amick.

Could the Lakers be hoping for a Russ revival under a new head coach?

More: https://t.co/XSNLaebUgy pic.twitter.com/0gxaAkZBiR

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) May 5, 2022

After the season ended, Russell Westbrook claimed his ‘plan’ was to run it back with the Lakers next season.

“I mean, that’s the plan,” he said of returning next season. “But nothing is promised. Yes, we want to be able to see what that looks like, what that entails over the course of an 82-game season. But we’re not sure if that’s guaranteed, either. So I just hope that we have a chance to be able to do something.”

Russell Westbrook struggled with turnovers and abysmal shooting all season long in 2021-22, to the point where Frank Vogel was often keeping him on the bench down the stretch of close games.

It’s hard to imagine Russ working with LeBron James and Anthony Davis after what we witnessed last year. But being as Westbrook is still due to make over $40 Million next season, it might be next to impossible for the team to move the point guard for any value whatsoever.

In the Russell Westbrook case, the Lakers sound like they know their best course of action may end up being to keep him and hope for a revival in year 2.

Welcome to the game outside the game! Follow us on our Sideaction Twitter handle, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest on sports and pop culture news across the web!