“Wtf are Lakers smoking?”, “I wonder if Darvin Ham needs his head checked” - Fans mercilessly troll Lakers, Coach Ham for wanting Russell Westbrook to be a defensive bulldog

LA Lakers head coach Darvin Ham recently stated that Russell Westbrook could be a "defensive bulldog" in the 2022-23 season.

Russell Westbrook had a disastrous 2021-22 season and was expected to leave the Lakers when free agency began. But following the hiring of new coach Darvin Ham, there is a belief that Westbrook can play a role for the team next season.

During a press conference, Ham claimed that Westbrook could be an important part of the Lakers' defensive scheme, similar to Jrue Holiday's role with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Holiday has a reputation for being one of the NBA's best defensive point guards. If Westbrook is going to reach that level, he will have to put in plenty of work.

As such, fans were quick to poke fun at Ham for his comments.

Another Redditor in the thread called out the Lakers for their faith in Westbrook after last season.

Can Russell Westbrook live up to Ham's expectations?

Westbrook attempts to lockdown young Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes.

Russell Westbrook has been a solid defender throughout his career. Westbrook's career defensive rating puts him among the best point guards in the league.

Still, stats are not everything when it comes to defense. Westbrook has room to improve. Going by Ham's comments, Westbrook may have to put his offensive skills on the backburner and focus on improving his defense.

If Russell Westbrook is willing to adopt a more defensive role with the Lakers, he could make a significant impact next season. But at this stage of his career, it might be too late to make such a drastic change.