LOS ANGELES – Lakers coach Durbin Hamm says he and Russell Westbrook After the point guard suggested Hamm’s decision to take him off the bench during the preseason may have contributed to the minor hamstring injury he suffered, he “move on” and “understood.” “did.
But Hamm hinted that his rotation in the Lakers’ preseason finale loss to the Sacramento Kings had something to do with him playing just five minutes off the bench before ending with a strained left hamstring. physical setback.
“Let me be clear on this,” Ham said before his team hosted the LA Clippers on Thursday. Physically, mentally, spiritually.We don’t stand for it.We’re not about it.It’s not who we are.”
After the Lakers lost 123-109 to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, Westbrook said he “absolutely” believes his injury may have been caused by coming off the bench against Sacramento. .
“I’ve been doing the same thing for 14 years,” he said, referring to having started 1,005 of the 1,022 games of his career. I didn’t even know what it was, and to be honest, I was trying to figure out how I could stay warm and comfortable…that’s something I wasn’t used to.”
Ham said the two shared a “brief discussion” about the remarks. Ham returned to Westbrook as a starting lineup against the Warriors and Clippers.
“We went ahead and got an understanding,” Hamm said. “As coaches of this team, we are going to do our best to make the team as successful as possible, and I will leave it at that.”
Hamm understands that ‘respect’ and ‘routine’ are important to the former league MVP, but acknowledges the team-focused goals Westbrook needs to achieve.
“He’s been around for a long time. He’s been a high-level player for a very long time. So I know what it’s about and what it’s like,” Hamm said. “But on the other hand, he has to be ready to do whatever the team requires. That’s called being a pro. So no matter how we choose to use him, You have to be willing to make sacrifices for your teammates, and if that course of action leads to success, it’s good for the whole team.”
Westbrook scored 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 4 turnovers in 31 minutes against Golden State.
Hamm said he had “a good plan in place” for moving forward with Westbrook’s role, but added that “time could go up or down based on performance.”
Hamm also said he had no problem with what Westbrook said to reporters after the Warriors’ game. lebron jamesEven if their comments were interpreted as criticism of the coaching staff or the front office, the candid assessment was that “we are not a team made up of great shots.”
“This is an adult league,” said Hamm. “Whether it’s directed at someone or not, things will be said. I treat it with caution. I’ve been involved in this for 26 years.” I have the utmost respect and I believe they have the utmost respect for me and I am not taking anything personal at all we will deal with it and move on increase.”
