Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook will not return to Friday’s preseason game against the Sacramento KingsWith a left hamstring strain.
Westbrook, who was not in the Lakers’ starting five, checked into the game with 7:27 left in the first quarter. Lakers coach Darvin Ham explained prior to Friday’s game his decision to have Westbrook come off the bench.
“It’s not a demotion; it’s a realignment,” Ham said.
Ham stated that Westbrook had understood the decision.
“He totally understood… looked me in my eye and said, ‘Yeah coach whatever you need me to do.’”
Friday’s preseason saw the Lakers enter at 1-4.
