Published 10/27/2022, 12:12 AM EDT
On Thursday night, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers face the Denver Nuggets. And Russell Westbrook has been in the headlines recently. According to reports, he will be unable to play in a few games due to a hamstring injury. And an NBA insider believes Austin Reaves will take over for Westbrook.
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The start of the regular season so far doesn’t complement the Lakers’ reputation. They lost three games in a row and are currently sitting last on the points table. They even lost one game from a winning position against the Portland Trail Blazers. And fans believe that Westbrook is the major culprit for the loss. And Twitter has not been merciful to Westbrook so far.
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Just a few days back, news broke about Westbrook’s proposed trade with Utah Jazz‘s star sharpshooters. But the Lakers’ front office decided to wait. This once again disappointed fans.
Austin Reaves is to start the lineup with LeBron James in tonight’s game
Another piece of news concerning Westbrook’s left hamstring injury surfaced shortly after the reports of his potential trade. While he’s expected to return to the court on Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Austin Reaves, 24, will reportedly take his position until then. Shams Charania, the senior lead NBA insider for The Athletic and Stadium, commented about Reaves taking over for Russell Westbrook.
Nov 8, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) guard Avery Bradley (20) and guard Austin Reaves (15) celebrate the overtime victory against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports| Courtesy- Reuters
He feels the Lakers are still searching for their ideal starting lineup. He further said, “This is very much a move the Lakers could continue, depending on how tonight’s game goes.” If this works out for the Lakers, then it is a change that could stick long-term.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
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Fans suggest that Brodie could be on his way out of LA soon. Whether it’s Westbrook or Reaves moving forward, fans will be hoping LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers manage to get their first win of the season under their belt tonight.
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How do you think Westbrook and the Lakers will fare this season? Let us know in the comments below.