Lakers’ Russell Westbrook Expected to Return vs. Wolves

Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook is expected to play Friday vs. the Timberwolves after missing last game with a hamstring issue. Westbrook has been upgraded to “probable” on the NBA injury report.

It is not known if Westbrook will start or come off the bench. Both The Athletic’s Shams Charania and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith have reported that the Lakers intend to move Westbrook to a reserve role for the foreseeable future.

“That’s what I’m being told,” Smith said, indicating Westbrook will indeed come off the bench the next time he plays.

Also, per per Charania, the Lakers very well could replace Westbrook in the starting lineup with shooting guard Austin Reaves for the foreseeable future.

As of this writing, Westbrook and the Lakers have struggled once again, losing each of their first three games. This follows a 33-49 season in which they failed make the play-in tournament.

Their 0-4 start is the worst since the 2015-16 season, when they were coached by Byron Scott and finished 17-65. 

As we relayed previously, they are continuing to seek Westbrook trades, perhaps via multi-team deals.

Westbrook, 33, is averaging just 10.3 points and shooting a miserable 29 percent from the field.

He also came off the bench in the preseason for one game, indicating it contributed to his iffy hamstring.

“I’ve been doing the same thing for 14 years straight,” he said at the time. “Honestly, I didn’t even know what to do pregame. Being honest, I was trying to figure out how to stay warm and loose. For me, obviously the way I play the game, it’s fast-paced, quick, stop-and-go.

“And I just happened to, when I subbed in, I felt something. Thought it was… didn’t know what it was, but I wasn’t going to risk it in a preseason game. But definitely wasn’t something I was used to. Wasn’t warm enough. But that’s something I just wasn’t accustomed to.”