Los Angeles Lakers tipped to make brutal Russell Westbrook decision

The Los Angeles Lakers have been urged to keep using Russell Westbrook off the bench after the franchise secured its first win of the season on Sunday night. The 2017 MVP has been heavily scrutinised since joining the Lakers and, under new head coach Darvin Ham, is being utilised as a sixth man. The Lakers entered the clash against the Denver Nuggets with an 0-5 record – the worst in the league – but they stormed to a 121-110 win over back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic’s title contenders. The Lakers showed an improved attitude and mentality, fighting back from an early 10-point deficit to clinch the victory. LeBron James led the way offensively with 26 points and eight assists, but the 37-year-old also put in the crucial effort and hustle on the defensive end. Anthony Davis added 23 points and 15 rebounds while the much-maligned Westbrook put up 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists off the bench in an impressive performance. The decision to bring Westbrook off the bench has revitalised the former MVP after many thought he wouldn’t be receptive to a reduced role. Ham has received tremendous praise for his decision to bench the former MVP – but former NBA star Jalen Rose believes the move was obvious even from when Westbrook joined the Lakers in 2021. READ MORE: LeBron James breaks another NBA record but LA Lakers lose again Russell Westbrook starred off the bench as the LA Lakers defeated the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night (Image: GETTY)’As much as the game is physical, it’s very psychological,’ Rose said on ESPN’s Jalen & Jacob. ‘Every player at some point – I don’t care what level it is – has to modify their role. ‘The more you play and the more teams you play for in the NBA, the more you need to modify and the role is going to continue to lessen. How you accept that is the thrust for your longevity. ‘There are going to be games where Russell Westbrook doesn’t finish, and people will go to him after the game to ask how he feels about that. For last night, it’s the geometry of the team – it just makes sense. LeBron and AD are ball-dominant players getting up there in age, and they need the ball if they’re going to be effective. ‘They need other starters to play defence, knock down shots, and stay out of their way offensively. Russ wasn’t going to fit: square piece, round hole. DON’T MISSLakers warned over making Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving tradeLos Angeles Lakers have been forced into LeBron James trade decisionLA Lakers horrific NBA season could be made worse by Davis trade Russell Westbrook showed impressive energy and passion as he fed off the crowd in Los Angeles (Image: GETTY)