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The Lakers’ Russell Westbrook Has a Chance to Thrive in His New Role

The fans roared.

Two weeks into the season, has Los Angeles found something that works?

Westbrook came off the bench in the Lakers’ 121–110 win over Denver on Sunday. He scored 18 points. He pulled down eight rebounds. He handed out eight assists. He was a team-high plus-18 in 32 minutes. He looked confident leading the second unit. He looked energized by the opportunity to play an expanded offensive role.

“It was big time,” said LeBron James.

“Proud of him,” added Anthony Davis.

It has been an ugly start to the season for the Lakers.