Lakers' Russell Westbrook on Frank Vogel: 'I'm Not Sure What His Issue Was with Me'

The point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers didn't like the relationship between Russell and Frank.

The Lakers parted ways with their head coach, Frank Vogel, on Monday.

I'm not sure what his issue was with me.

If there was an issue, it may have been due to the play of Westbrook.

While the nine-time All-Star is a future Hall of Famer and former league Most Valuable Player, he didn't look the part in his first season with the Lakers. Since they are both so ball-dominant, it was an awkward fit for them to play with each other.

He averaged 18 points per game, his lowest mark since his second season in the league, and he posted a career-worst player efficiency rating.

The Big Three of James, Westbrook and Anthony Davis were not going to dominate the league since the UCLA product couldn't consistently hit from the outside and take advantage of the spacing created by playing alongside the other two. Injuries to James and Davis caused the trio to play only 21 games together this season.

It isn't difficult to imagine the Lakers season unfolding in a different direction if they acquired DeMar DeRozan or Buddy Hield this past offseason instead.

It reached a point where the coach would bench his star player multiple times throughout the season.

Perhaps that didn't sit well with the 33-year-old, and Monday's comments suggest he believes the veteran head coach who helped the Lakers win the championship was not his biggest fan.

Since he has a player option, one of the biggest questions is where he will play in 2022-23. He will probably opt into it, but the Lakers could look to move him after they failed to make the playoffs.

James told reporters at a Monday press conference that he was not here to make decisions for the front office. I loved being with Russ.

If he does return, he will have a different coach next season, which will not be a problem for him.