Lakers coach Frank Vogel has been told by the team's management to coach star guard Russell Westbrook as he sees fit, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, even if it means benching Westbrook at the end of games.
ESPN's report on the assurances given to Vogel by the front office comes after Westbrook was pulled for the final 3:52 of Los Angeles' 111–104 loss the Pacers on Wednesday night.
Westbrook logged 14 points on 5 for 17 shooting in 27 minutes on Wednesday night.
Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes reported after the loss that despite the Lakers being 1–4 in their last five games and 22–23 on the season, the team will not be making a personnel move at this juncture and Vogel will coach the team on Friday vs.