The Los Angeles Lakers are still exploring trade possibilities for Russell Westbrook. However, if no trade comes to fruition, new Lakers coach Darvin Ham is determined to carve out a real role for Westbrook.

When the Lakers traded for Patrick Beverley last week, it was suggested that LA might bench Westbrook. However, Marc Stein reports that the Lakers have resisted simply benching the veteran guard.

The Lakers have been reluctant to include both of their tradable first round picks (in 2027 and 2029) in a deal to move Westbrook. Los Angeles has insisted that they will only trade both firsts if they get an actual rotation upgrade while moving Westbrook.