Russell Westbrook didn’t have to accept his role when Darvin Ham decided to bring him off the bench. He could have made things so uncomfortable the Lakers would’ve had no other choice but to send him home. As he’s flourished as the sixth man, not only has he potentially extended his career, but he gave the Lakers something they probably didn’t dare to hope for: Options.
Sure, Westbrook accepting this role has probably also greatly helped his prospects, but had he decided to go out like Allen Iverson, he still would’ve been a first ballot hall of famer.