“He will find himself out of the league next year” - Kendrick Perkins blasts Russell Westbrook for failing to hold himself accountable and for refusing a bench role for the LA Lakers

After reports surfaced that Darvin Ham would relegate Russell Westbrook to the bench, the LA Lakers started the season with him as the starting point guard.

The former MVP had a solid opening night with a double-double against the Golden State Warriors. However, he was still asked by the media about his future role with the team.

Westbrook’s reply about tweaking his hamstring as he couldn’t get warmed up enough on the bench was questioned by ESPN’s basketball analysts. Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins even had this to say about the whole issue on "NBA Today":

(Starts at the 3:47 mark)

“They [Lakers] have exercise bikes that are sitting in the tunnel. They have other ways that you could be stretching, they got heat pads.

“So, don’t come giving me that excuse about 'I’ve been having the same routine for 14 years and all of a sudden, I tweak my hamstring then I’m available two, three days later for opening night.'

“Russell Westbrook has to start looking at himself in the mirror and be accountable for his actions. Otherwise, he will find himself out of the league next year.”

Before his off-the-bench role in the LA Lakers’ last preseason game, Ham repeatedly mentioned that Westbrook was on board with the plan. The new coach assured Laker Nation that Westbrook will hold himself accountable and do whatever it takes to help the team win.

Based on their conversations, the LA Lakers should have been more prepared to help the nine-time All-Star with his new role. Westbrook played only a few minutes after going to the locker room as a precaution in LA's preseason finale against the Sacramento Kings.

Zach Lowe, one of the hosts of the "NBA Today" show, added that he had conversations with some medical people about Russell Westbrook’s claim. Those Lowe spoke to called Westbrook’s statement slightly possible but more likely revisionist.

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Russell Westbrook confirmed to NBA executives he wouldn’t be coming off the bench if they’re looking to trade for him

Russell Westbrook watches the LA Lakers from the bench last season.

Russell Westbrook’s massive $47.1 million salary and the LA Lakers’ refusal to attach two future first-round picks have stalled all trade talks. If a trade does happen, teams now have the idea that unless they want to start the former MVP, things will be more complicated.

Here are Kendrick Perkins' comments on his former teammate’s recent pushback to come off the bench:

“Russell Westbrook is under a microscope right now around the league.

“They’re watching everything that he do on and off the court, and I guarantee you, GMs [general managers] around the league that listen to this interview saying to themselves, 'See, I told you he wouldn’t buy into having a lesser role. That’s Russ doing Russ things.'”

Should any team trade for Westbrook, that could only mean that a buyout is the next move. Teams that are tanking for Victor Wembanyama aren’t likely to start him. They might look to develop their players, take losses and improve their chances of drafting the French phenom instead.

Contending teams aren’t likely to include him unless he is willing to play a specific task, which could be as the leader of the bench mob. Westbrook’s latest statement about the role and his hamstring injury has likely eliminated the possibility of teams hoping for that exact scenario.

Where Russell Westbrook plays and what role he will take on will be interesting to watch out for next season. That is, of course, if an NBA team is still willing to sign him.