Lakers extol Russell Westbrook's energy, impact off bench in loss

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In the Los Angeles Lakers' loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Russell Westbrook came off the bench for the first time this season and impressed his team.

L.A.'s effort was "catapulted" by the energy of Oklahoma City's point guard, according to King James. He was 888-609- 888-609-

In the game, he played 33 minutes, more than he had in any of the three games he started this season. He was responsible for five of the Lakers' 22 team turnovers.

It wasn't a perfect night by any means, but it was an encouraging look at a fit that new coach Darvin Ham discussed with Russell Westbrook several times over the summer.

"From the beginning, I said that I'm willing to do anything for the team," he said. "I'll sacrifice whatever it is that needs to be sacrificed -- parts of my game that I've done for years to accommodate whatever it is that the coach needs me to do, and I'll keep doing that."

The sacrifice included being the primary defender on Minnesota's 7-1 center Rudy Gobert in the closing lineup with Anthony Davis and Thomas Bryant unavailable.

"Russ, my hat's off to you once again," he said. He showed the impact he can have in that reserve role and shoring up our bench by coming in and taking it up a notch. He played that role well tonight. I would like to see him in it more once we get healthy bodies back.

He had to make some changes to his routine to be prepared. He runs from one side of the court to the other in order to get his heart rate up. He rode an exercise bike in the tunnel before entering the game.

After the preseason finale, when he came off the bench and lasted only five minutes, he questioned if Ham's decision to bring him in as a reserve was to blame for the injury.

There was acceptance from the man.

He said he was not upset with how the team played. The energy was in the right place. It's important to get AD back and get guys healthy so we can get things going. Nobody will be sorry for us until then. We need to find a way to win.

The Lakers were serenaded with an "Oh and five!" by the Target Center crowd. There was a chant in the final minutes of the game.

Davis missed the first five games of the season because he wanted to play in all the games.

There was still hope being expressed by some of the key stakeholders.

James told Davis to do what's best for his body. What's best for his body and mind is what he needs to do. Everything else will fall apart if his mind is no longer active. He has to be sure of himself. He wants to play all the games. He would like to be with our team. He has had a lot of bumps and injuries over the last few years, so he has to trust himself, his staff and not put himself in danger.

Last year, when he, James and Davis were limited to just 21 games, the injuries weren't causing him to worry.

"I don't think so, to be honest," he said. I think I'm doing well today. The most important thing for AD is his body. It's important to make sure his mind is in the right place. Hopefully, we'll be ready to go when he returns.