NBA Rumors: Heads Will Roll In Hollywood, Will It Be Vogel Or Westbrook?

Another loss, another storyline. This is what best describes the misfiring Los Angeles Lakers who have drummed up another drama involving, no less, Russell Westbrook.

Lakers coach Frank Vogel opted to bench the former NBA MVP in the last four minutes of their match against the Pacers. Considering LA has been under the radar, it hardly comes as a surprise that the 48-year-old is under fire anew.

However, there appears to be a twist in all this. Vogel was allegedly permitted what he thinks is best with Westbrook with Lakers’ management backing him up per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

When he was asked about the Westbrook benching, Vogel responded with a not-so-surprising answer of going with the guys who he felt could win the game. Unfortunately, that never happened and now there are murmurs that it could cost him his job.

Before the Lakers’ loss to the Pacers, it was reported by Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports that Vogel’s job is safe for now. It will be interesting if this remains the same as the Lakers' freefall continues.

Westbrook has had a rough go with the Lakers but the matter of benching him for that stretch will not go unnoticed. Although he was struggling, a player of his caliber can surely turn things around or make plays. However, Vogel felt otherwise and it was a call he made.

Following the loss, LeBron James was asked about the status of Vogel. He responded safely and stressed that he is not the kind of guy who would point fingers – apparently avoiding the topic.

“Listen, I’m not in the business of pointing fingers or pointing blame or trying to put a quote at the end or at the start of someone’s commentary of what they feel our coaching staff or Frank is or what Russ is or what I am or AD,” James said. “If it’s not positive for me, I’m cool. It’s not my lane. I’m not a negative person.”