As the summer approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to be the subject of speculation about Russell Westbrook‘s future and the possibility of a new head coach being hired.
It seemed inconceivable that the 33-year-old point guard would return for a second season at the season’s conclusion. Even though he was the driving force behind one of the worst seasons in team history, he then went on a rant in his farewell interview that appeared to seal the deal.
However, the Los Angeles Lakers seem to have changed their minds on the topic. While interviewing potential new coaches, Sam Amick of The Athletic reports that the franchise is asking applicants how they plan to use none else but Russell Westbrook next season.
Lakers coaching applicants asked how they would use Westbrook
“Yet though it remains unclear who will replace the fired Frank Vogel, with Kenny Atkinson, Adrian Griffin, Mark Jackson, Darvin Ham and Terry Stotts among the known candidates, we continue to learn about how Lakers officials see their own roster by way of the coaching search itself. More specifically, the notion of Russell Westbrook remaining part of their program is seeming more real all the time.
“Despite the widely held belief that the Lakers would find a way to trade Westbrook before the start of next season, sources say their coaching candidates have been asked to discuss how they would use him in their system during interviews. The takeaway for candidates, it seems, is that maximizing Westbrook’s presence after his disastrous 2021-22 season is considered an important part of this job.”
Sam Amick of The Athletic
