LOS ANGELES — Long before Russell WestbrookHe was placed in a benched position down Wednesday’s stretch 111-104 lossThe Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles LakersSources told ESPN that Frank Vogel received assurances from the organization that he would be supported in his decision to coach the star with a tough line, according to ESPN.
Lakers management has instructed their coaches to coach Westbrook according to their will, even if that means removing him from games, sources informed ESPN.
According to a source familiar with the situation, the message that management sent to staff was “You have to do what you have to do.”
Vogel placed Westbrook at 5-for-17 on the field. Malik MonkHe was with L.A. at 101-94.
Westbrook’s defensive shortcomings were not the only problem. When Westbrook was finally benched by the staff, it was the final straw. Caris LeVertWith 7 minutes and 13 seconds left, Westbrook was able to score a layup on defense.
LeVert was repeatedly told by his coaching staff that he had to give up his right hand. Westbrook, who was protecting LeVert at the top one-on-one key, didn’t position himself correctly to prevent the drive. LeVert gained easy access the paint on the way to the hoop.
The normally measured Vogel answered when asked why he decided to bench Westbrook with a matterof-fact answer.
He said, “Playing the men that I believed were going to win this game.”
Vogel’s job is in danger since L.A. was defeated by 37 points at The Denver NuggetsAccording to multiple reports, this happened over the weekend.
Sources said that Westbrook was being coached for weeks and had considered pulling him out of late-game situations, but the coaches resisted because of concerns about Westbrook’s psychological health.
In fact, even LeBron JamesWestbrook’s benching was the topic of much discussion, perhaps to distract from the humiliation suffered by the former league MVP.
“Would it bother Russ to not be in a later game?” He answered a reporter’s question by asking a question rather than answering straight.
James could not speak on Westbrook as the 14-year-old veteran left the court with 8.4 seconds remaining.
Sources say that Westbrook also had left the locker room when his teammates were done showering. He was not part of any postgame discussions with the team.
Lakers forward Lakers stated, “I don’t believe it’s nothing personal.” Carmelo AnthonyRecent comments from Jeremy, who said that he can relate and understand the adjustment Westbrook is making this season. He had done it once before. He’s new to it. You would expect someone like that to be on the courts. However, the flow of the game means that there have been times when I haven’t been on the court or other players haven’t. It’s not something I take personally.
Although not personal, it is certainly important. The Lakers are about to embark on a six game road trip and currently sit at No. 8 in the Western Conference, at 22-23. The Lakers can’t afford to spend more time valuing Westbrook’s comfort than the team’s chances at success.
Anthony stated that it was “just something Russ has to do… “, but he corrected himself mid-sentence. “We have to help him figure this out.”
“It’s frustrating. He said, “I can confirm that.” It’s frustrating for a player trying to make things right. This is something new to him. This is a completely new environment. It is a new situation. He needed our help. We can only do what we can to make sure that his mental health is good. This is all that I care about. Russ is the only thing I care about.
“As long his mental is right, then he’s good.”