Report: 'Increasing push' for Russell Westbrook to be pulled from starting lineup

Westbrook, who has started all 62 games he's appeared in this season, has seen his numbers dip in almost every category this season, especially in efficiency metrics. He was brought to Los Angeles alongside picks in a trade over the offseason that sent Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and a first-round pick back to Washington.

The 33-year-old Westbrook's performance has drawn the ire of many Lakers fans, as he's proven at times to be more of a net negative on the team than the third star alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis that he was proclaimed to be when acquired. 

His win shares per 48 minutes — a stat that measures a player's contribution to winning adjusted for playing time — is currently at .028, which would be the lowest mark of his career. His usage rate has only dipped a bit compared to past season when he's been more of a focal point, however, indicating that he is still maintaining a major role despite his lesser performance.

As Wojnarowski points out, though, coach Frank Vogel has not yet lost faith in Westbrook, as he "has resisted bringing him off the bench" despite external pressure. Wojnarowski does write that Vogel and his staff have had disagreements on how to utilize his skillset, though, which has led to "some tense moments" between the coach and player including during a film session Friday.

Whether it comes in the starting lineup or not, the Lakers will need Westbrook to step his game up soon if they want to contend this season. They entered Saturday at 27-35, planting them firmly in the mix for a spot in the postseason play-in tournament.