Los Angeles Lakers: Will LA finally bring Russell Westbrook off the bench?

It makes too much sense for the Los Angeles Lakers to not bring Russell Westbrook off the bench this season but will they do it?

After failing to trade Russell Westbrook, it seems that the Los Angeles Lakers are prepared – and likely will – carry him on the roster into the start of training camp and probably into the regular season. That could change at any point but at this point, it doesn’t seem as if the Lakers are on the verge of making such a trade.

It’s something that many called for last season and it simply never came. Though, that could be because the Lakers were almost never in the chase for the postseason. They battled injuries all season long and never appeared like they were going to be a threat in the Western Conference, even if they managed to back into the playoffs.

Will the Los Angeles Lakers finally pull the trigger?

So while benching Russ did make sense, it never felt like the right time to do it.

Even if they would’ve made the move, there’s a strong chance that it wouldn’t have even mattered. However, heading into the new season, the Lakers can begin the year with Russ being a super sixth man off the bench. In this case, it does make sense.

If you agree that Russ is not done and still has something left in the tank, this would be a perfect way to prove that. Russ could maneuver off the bench and take command of the Lakers’ second unit which may not be that daunting.

Russ as a starting point guard doesn’t ring as loud as Russ in a sixth-man role at this point in his career.

The Lakers still have to figure out this Westbrook situation and if they decide against a trade, there has to be an adjustment when it comes to their rotation – whether that happens at the beginning of the season or shortly after (if things begin to start to fall apart).

But the question remains, is this something that the Lakers would do? It’s already been reported that new head coach Darvin Ham will have full power over the rotation, which coaches should have.

Will the Lakers bring Russ off the bench? It’s not as bad as it seems (for Russ) and is a role that he’ll (Russ) likely thrive in.