NBA Rumors: Will Russell Westbrook really come off the bench for the Lakers?

NBA Rumors: It appears that Russell Westbrook is one step closer to a new role in which he comes off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers. 

If the Los Angeles Lakers are going to bounce back this season, they’re going to need to finally solve the riddle that has been Russell Westbrook’s fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Entering the final preseason game, it seems like the Lakers are going to roll the dice on the idea

Russell Westbrook’s best-case scenario could be coming off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers

Looking at the situation that the Lakers and Russ are in heading into the season, it may be a best-case scenario for both sides for this idea to come to fruition. Russ is a lame-duck player at the moment for the Lakers and is essentially waiting for a trade to happen.

In order for one to come to fruition, he may need to rebuild some of that trade value. And the only way that he may be able to pull it off is by embracing a role that he hasn’t at any point in his career – coming off the bench.

Ironically enough, as much pushback as he probably will have, it’s a role that fits his strengths at this point in his career.

While he’s a below-average starting point guard at this point in his career, he would likely be one of the better backup point guards in the league. On the flip side, not only would it be beneficial for Russ. It would also be beneficial for the Lakers.

If they’re not going to trade him at the moment, the Lakers need to find a role for Russ that will help the team. Starting has not been it. Coming off the bench may be the last chance at making the Russ experiment work in Los Angeles.

It would not make sense if the Lakers never tried it. And it finally seems like they’re ready to do it. How will it go, that’s anyone’s guess. But it’s good to see that the Lakers are at least open to experimenting this season.