The new Lakers head coach Darvin Ham decided to start the season opener against the Warriors with Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley in the back court even though there was doubt as to whether the former NBA MVP will be a starter this season.
Russ played a total of 31 minutes in the loss and scored 19 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out 3 assists. Also, he had 4 turnovers. After the game Ham was asked about his decision to start Westbrook.
“Again, you want to start the game the right way in terms of the energy and being in attack mode. No one better than him,” he said. “This is what we have. We got some key guys hurt. We just wanted this it’s game one and just give them a chance compete at the highest level.”
“I thought he was solid. A couple possessions I wish I can get back, but overall I thought he was solid,” Ham summed up Westbrooks’ performance.
