As the Lakers opened the 2022-23 season with media day on Monday, perhaps the biggest topic of discussion was centered on Russell Westbrook. After attempting to trade him for most of the summer, the Lakers now have to reverse course and play ball with Russ at least for part of the season.
The questions now, though, are on how the point guard will be used after a struggle of a 2021-22 season. With multiple other point guard options, Westbrook’s starting spot isn’t guaranteed. But what was once seen as a dealbreaker in moving him to the bench is now a move that Westbrook isn’t taking a hard stance against, as he answered on media day.