All eyes will be on Russell Westbrook this coming NBA season. Better yet, most are eager to see how long he will last on the Los Angeles Lakers’ front.

After a dismal showing last NBA season, most are now wondering how the nine-time All-Star will adjust. He will be handled by a new head coach in Darvin Ham, someone who believes he can put Westbrook to good use. But of course, that remains to be seen.

Tied to that, there is also the possibility that Ham could implement the same decision to bench Westbrook if he performs poorly.

Most will recall how former coach Frank Vogel made that bold call, a move that drew plenty of attention. Although it initially seemed the Lakers backed him, management stressed that they wanted the 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player put to good use.

Now, it will be interesting if Ham can live up to his claim to utilize Westbrook better. But should he misfire, Westbrook could be taken out of the starting lineup, a move that could spark Westbrook exit rumors?

It will be recalled that Westbrook changed player agents recently. He will now be handled by Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, someone is known to properly orchestrate buyouts.

Some see it as another maneuver in the event things do not work out well between the Lakers and Westbrook. But all that will depend on how the fourth overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft will perform this season.

For Westbrook, performing well is not just to stay on with the Lakers. It will also be a means to determine if he can recall his old form and deliver monstrous numbers.

Before joining the Lakers, Westbrook has been known to finish with triple-double numbers. He was unable to do that, even with LeBron James and/or Anthony Davis sidelined at times.

Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers
Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers Getty Images | Katelyn Mulcahy

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