This past offseason, Russell Westbrook joined the Los Angeles Lakers via a trade from the Washington Wizards to form the Big 3 with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

His role changed compared to the previous years where he was either the main star on the team or had a single co-star. The 33-year-old point guard is also adjusting to playing in the different schemes that Frank Vogel has created.

According to the Lakers head coach, the early part of the season was an adjustment to Westbrook. “I think that’s part of what this early season has been like for Russ. It has been and adjustment. We knew that coming in when we put this team together,” Vogel said. “I feel like he’s handling it well.”

“It’s really not that different than anything we even did last year when AD was at the five, when we basically played without a true big,” Vogel said when talking the role Russ is given. “We would fill the dunker with a small, usually off of the cutter from the post.

“Honestly, we’re even evolving to the point where we’re leaving that open and creating more space for guys to go to the basket is post-ups, pick-and-rolls, pin down, all those types of action and then cutting late as opposed to filling the dunker. So we’re continuing to evolve our offense but all of our smalls are active and live to play out of that spot at certain times.”

This season, Westbrook is averaging 19 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game for the Lakers.