West Notes: Lakers, Russell Westbrook, Thunder, Jazz

Lakers

Coach Darvin Ham said he would put Russell Westbrook in the same situation despite some questionable plays from Westbrook in Friday’s loss to the Kings.

“Well, I just thought there were some unfortunate plays that he would normally make,” Ham said, via Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation. “But if I had to do it all over again, I put them in those same situations. I thought he was huge for us tonight. Provided a huge boost at the three-point line. Overall, with his point total. And there’s times he pushed the pace, times he really put pressure on the paint. Found some guys for easy looks.

“But it’s tough. I got certain things that stick out in my mind. But without going over the film. You know, I can’t really get into detail. But I will say this, you know, again, if I had to do it all over again, he’d be in the game, for sure. And in those situations.”

• In case you missed it, here’s our video on why the Lakers should trade Anthony Davis if they really hope to improve their current trajectory. Check it out at this link.

Thunder

Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has heard his name in trade rumors lately but said he is committed to the Thunder.

“It’s exciting,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of the future in Oklahoma City, via Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca. “And knowing the guys in the locker room personally, makes it more exciting: Guys’ mentalities, guys’ work ethic, it just makes it fun to be around and I’m very excited for the future.”

SGA is off to a remarkable All-Star start, averaging 30.5 points in 11 games.

Jazz

Forward/center Kelly Olynyk is impressed with the job being done by first-year NBA head coach Will Hardy, with the Jazz being one of the NBA’s early-season pleasant surprises.

“I think he’s done a great job,” Olynyk said, via Sarah Todd of the Deseret News. “He’s been really personable and good with the guys. He’s really kind of put us in situations to help us be successful. He’s given us structure and organization, but not to a point where you feel robotic or you feel like you’re constricted. He’s still letting everybody play free, be themselves and play to their strengths.”