“I told him it’s like a scene from Menace II Society” - Darvin Ham says Russell Westbrook told him and Lakers brass that he will be a "tyrant" on defense

A fresh challenge awaits Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook under new head coach Darvin Ham. With rumors of Westbrook's potential trade dying down, it seems the Lakers are willing to stick with the mercurial point guard for another season.

After an abysmal season filled with injuries and shooting struggles, it looked like Westbrook's career in Los Angeles was over. But that's not the case for the former MVP. He opted into the final year of his deal and is committed to making things right with the Lakers.

Darvin Ham, who replaced Frank Vogel as head coach is expected to transform the Lakers into a defensive-minded team. During his introductory press conference, Ham outlined what Westbrook's mindset will be heading into the new season.

"The first thing he mentioned to all of us, myself, Jeanie and Rob was that he's gonna be a tyrant on defense. I told him it's like a scene from Menace II Society, 'You know you done messed up,' right?"

Ham ended with this:

"I told him, 'I'ma hold you to that.'"

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Can Russell Westbrook rediscover his best form next season?

San Antonio Spurs v Los Angeles Lakers

If Russell Westbrook is willing to give the Lakers another chance, then they should do the same. It would be a total disaster if a player like Westbrook commits to a team for a chance to win the title and then ends up getting traded. With trade rumors surrounding the nine-time All-Star fading away, it looks like he will remain in Los Angeles for another season.

Lakers executive Rob Pelinka, meanwhile, should focus on building around LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Westbrook. Last season, they were listed as the oldest team in the league and they need young blood to freshen up the roster.

In the offseason, they managed to add some youth to the roster in the shape of Lonnie Walker IV, Thomas Bryant and Damian Jones. But there are areas they still need to strengthen if they are to make a deep playoff run next season.