“Y’all be reaching bro; S**t is really funny” - 3x All-Defensive selection reacts to reports of Russell Westbrook coming off the bench in 2022-23 season Comment Share Los Angeles Lakers v Minnesota Timberwolves Patrick Beverley has turned from being Russell Westbrook’s public enemy to becoming one of his staunchest defenders. Since he arrived from the Utah Jazz “Mr. 94 Feet” has done nothing but praise and support the former MVP against doubts and criticisms. When Bleacher Report posted an article written by The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Jovan Buha about Westbrook coming off the bench, Beverley responded: “Yal be reaching bro. S**t is really funny.” View this post on Instagram Instagram Post Over the last few weeks, the LA Lakers have added Beverley and former Laker Dennis Schroder to the lineup. Both are seen by basketball analysts as better and more natural fits around the ball-dominant LeBron James. For many, Russell Westbrook coming off the bench makes perfect sense with the way the LA Lakers’ guard-heavy lineup is constructed. Westbrook has pined for the opportunity to play the game the way he’s always played it. He is bound to get that chance as the undisputed leader of the bench mob. The second unit, headed by Westbrook, will allow “Russ to be Russ,” and help him get his coveted numbers. It is an arrangement that coach Darvin Ham has reportedly been looking at seriously. The Athletic@TheAthleticThe prospect of Russell Westbrook coming off the bench is being strongly considered, sources tell @sam_amick and @jovanbuha.More details on the Lakers’ plan: theathletic.com/3600315/?sourc…749117The prospect of Russell Westbrook coming off the bench is being strongly considered, sources tell @sam_amick and @jovanbuha.More details on the Lakers’ plan: theathletic.com/3600315/?sourc… https://t.co/326LgTLz5N Ham has not dismissed the idea of playing both Westbrook and Beverley together, but it could likely be as part of the reserves. If LeBron James is on the floor with the two, Westbrook’s contributions will likely have to come from the defensive end. James will undoubtedly be the playmaker while the offense runs through Anthony Davis. Silver Screen and Roll@LakersSBNWith Patrick Beverley and now Dennis Schröder in Los Angeles, would the Lakers actually make Russell Westbrook part of the second unit? silverscreenandroll.com/2022/9/16/2335…437With Patrick Beverley and now Dennis Schröder in Los Angeles, would the Lakers actually make Russell Westbrook part of the second unit? silverscreenandroll.com/2022/9/16/2335… With training camp on the horizon, Ham will have his work cut out for him trying to figure out the best way to use Russell Westbrook. If the LA Lakers want to be more balanced and competitive, making Russ the leader of the bench unit could be the new coach’s only option. Giving Patrick Beverley a 3-and-D role possibly opens a spot for Russell Westbrook to start Darvin Ham will have to be creative with his starting unit if he has to put Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley together. NBA Insider Marc Stein came out with a report on how the head coach could accomplish this: “The Lakers see Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder as their points guards and Pat Bev as a 3-and-D wing.” Legion Hoops@LegionHoopsREPORT: As of today, The Lakers see Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder as their points guards and Pat Bev as a “3-and-D wing.”(via @TheSteinLine, marcstein.substack.com/p/almost-all-t…)4800264REPORT: As of today, The Lakers see Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder as their points guards and Pat Bev as a “3-and-D wing.”(via @TheSteinLine, marcstein.substack.com/p/almost-all-t…) https://t.co/BC0fR2HfLR Westbrook stated that he wasn’t consistently allowed to be himself last season, but it may not even get consideration for the upcoming season. Playing Westbrook, Beverley, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and any other big man rules out “Brodie’s” natural game. Westbrook will have to be content with a diminished role on offense as long as he is in the same unit as “King James” and AD. Last season, Russ defied former coach Frank Vogel’s plan to utilize him as a screener and a roller. That was largely his role on offense as he was a terrible spot-up shooter. Ham’s strategy could involve more of the same off-the-ball action for Russell Westbrook unless he comes off the bench. LA’s new shot-caller has said on record that LeBron James will not sacrifice much on offense as the team needs the ball in his hands. If that doesn't change, Westbrook may be facing the same struggles he wasn’t able to overcome last season. The Rally@TheRally“This is going to be a very, very competitive training camp. I’m told to expect a training camp battle for that starting point guard and two guard position.” NBA Insider @ShamsCharania reports on Russell Westbrook's potential role on the Lakers.308“This is going to be a very, very competitive training camp. I’m told to expect a training camp battle for that starting point guard and two guard position.” NBA Insider @ShamsCharania reports on Russell Westbrook's potential role on the Lakers. https://t.co/Zj4zevIutn Ideally, when James and Davis get a breather, Westbrook will get his chance to carry the team. He’s always been good when surrounded by less-than-stellar talent in his OKC Thunder and Washington Wizards days. Westbrook could turn the Lakers’ bench unit into a formidable force if he’s willing to make some sacrifices. Poll : 0 votes Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Anantaajith Ra × Feedback Thank You! Be the first one to comment Follow Us Share Show More Comments GIF Comment in moderation 0 0 Reply x Edit Delete Delete the comment? No thanks Delete GIF Cancel Update GIF Cancel Reply ❮ ❯ GIF Comment in moderation 0 0 Reply x Edit Delete Delete the comment? No thanks Delete GIF Cancel Update GIF Cancel Reply ❮ ❯ Be the first one to comment on this story More from Sportskeeda Fetching more content... 1 Manage your profile Editing Story Queue Video Queue Editing Stats Writer Home SEO Redirection Admin Gaming Wiki Edits Taxonomy Home Edit Site Menu Mapping Dashboard Tag Pages Community Social Feed Queue Feed Center Notification Center Affiliate Home Manage Pages Bottom Tagline Dash Timeless Stories Logout No Results Found Get the free App now Manage notifications Popular ‍ Sports (30+) CricketCricket HomeCricket NewsScheduleIND vs SAAUS vs WIENG vs PAKLegends LeagueECC T10County ChampionshipBukhatir LeagueNZ T20 Tri-SeriesWomen's Asia Cup 2022Japan Cricket LeagueWI-W vs NZ-WECT10T20 World Cup FootballFootball HomeNewslettersSK Experts ScheduleEPLNations LeagueLa LigaLigue 1Champions LeagueFIFA WCMLS Bundesliga Serie A WWEWWE HomeNewslettersRumor RoundupRAWSmackDownResultsRosterChampionsWWE Extreme Rules 2022PPV ScheduleAEW EsportsEsports HomeMinecraftOverwatch 2RobloxGenshin ImpactFortniteGTAStreamersFree FirePUBGValorantBGMIPop CultureAnimeGaming TechWiki Guides TennisTennis HomeTennis calendarChina OpenTennis Results TodayATP RankingsWTA RankingsRoger FedererRafael NadalNovak DjokovicSerena Williams MMAMMA HomeUFC NewsONE ChampionshipUFC Fight NightScheduleRankingsResultsUFC Fights TonightONE Championship ResultsONE Championship ScheduleONE Championship Rankings KabaddiKabaddi HomePKL 2022PKL SchedulePKL Points TableKabaddi Rules WikiWiki HomeMinecraft WikiNaruto WikiTikTok WikiYoutube WikiGTA WikiTerraria WikiOne Piece Wiki MoreSportsBasketballIndian FootballNFLMinecraftFormula 1NascarPop CultureCollege FootballHockeyGolfAthleticsBadmintonGymnasticsWrestlingSwimmingTennisShootingBoxingArcheryWinter SportsRobloxSkateboardingKho KhoLifestyle LINKS About Us Write For Us Policies Editorial Standards Journalism Awards Fact Check Affiliate Program Careers CSR Privacy Policy Contact Us Edition: English हिन्दी