Westbrook still figures out his role: ‘I’m not giving up’

LOS ANGELES – After the Los Angeles Lakers were crushed by their rival Clippers on Thursday night, Russell Westbrook He said he’s still trying to figure out his role with the team, saying “it changes every night.”

The Clippers embarrassed their neighbors 132-111 to sweep the season series 4-0. Reggie Jackson he enjoyed his best game as a Clipper, abusing the Lakers with 36 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

Later, Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said the coaching staff has discussed various options to help get the team back on track, including the possibility of taking Westbrook off the bench.

“We’ve talked about everything,” Vogel said when asked if the Lakers had discussed the idea of ​​Westbrook coming off the bench.

Asked if it’s something to watch as the postseason approaches, Vogel repeated: “We’ve talked about everything.”

The Lakers were once again left trying to find answers to why they continue to underperform. Westbrook had 17 points with eight rebounds but played just over four minutes in the fourth quarter after the Lakers found themselves down by as many as 30 points in the third quarter.

Despite “a little bit of a struggle” finding his role in his first season with the Lakers, Westbrook said he remains determined and focused.

“My role and what I’m doing changes every night,” Westbrook said. “So I’m trying to figure that out as I play, looking to help my team.”

Added Westbrook: “But my expectations remain the same. I’m not giving up. It’s not in my genes. I’m not giving up, regardless of what’s going on. I’m going to fight to the end and if it doesn’t work out, that’s fine too. I can live with the results. But I will never give up or give up due to the current difficulties at this time of year.”

While the eighth-ranked Clippers have won five straight games without the injured Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Norman Powellthe Lakers (27-35) cling to the 9th place in the Western Conference after starting the season as title favourites. The Clippers have won seven straight against the Lakers and swept the season series against their rivals for the first time since 2015-16.

“They are a better team,” he said. Lebron James about the Clippers sweep.

injuries such as Anthony Davis they have been devastating for the continuity and defense of the Lakers. Chemistry has also been difficult to form as Vogel has searched for answers with 31 different starting lineups this season.

Vogel said he will continue to search for anything that can fix the Lakers.

“There is no stone unturned in terms of trying to find solutions to get it right,” Vogel said. “But it hasn’t taken shape. We’re not giving up. We’re going to continue to persist. We’re trying to adjust and change and find ways to win with Anthony out. We haven’t found it yet. But it’s not something we can’t do. We just haven’t. found yet.”