The phenomenon that is Russell Westbrook has unquestionably dominated conversations around the Lakers all year, for good reason. He is fascinating as a player and a concept, and as a massive basketball experiment the Lakers have undertaken in a high-pressure season. And this week we learned that the Lakers have quietly broached the idea of trading Westbrook, only a few months into his tenure. It's highly unlikely it'll happen, but that doesn't make the reports any less telling. From there, Following a turnover-free Tuesday for Westbrook as the Lakers beat the Kings (Russ's first since 2016 in a regular season tilt) he was asked questions about how the team has adjusted to him. How guys have learned to play with him, and what that means.

It's a contrast to the normal line of inquiry, tilted much more towards "How are you adjusting to LeBron and A.D.?

Both are important, but also raise some pretty important questions that are at the heart of The Westbrook Experiment; How much do you really want your team to adjust to Westbrook? In some ways, the sheer force of his presence and play makes learning to play with him similar to the experience of adjusting to Kobe Bryant, or even LeBron James. But those guys were unquestionably the best players on their teams. Westbrook isn't.

So what's the right balance here? Is Westbrook bending where he needs to?

Finally, Frank Vogel says that Kendrick Nunn will play "tons" once he's available, which should be coming reasonably soon. But if he keeps the rotation at 9-10 guys on any given night, and the Lakers sign (and play) Stanley Johnson as expected, and Anthony Davis eventually comes back, there just aren't enough chairs for everyone when the music stops. So who's gonna sit?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have quietly explored trading Westbrook, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. Not surprisingly, interest is apparently low.

SEGMENT 2: What does it mean to learn to play with Russ? How much adjusting should the Lakers be doing around him?

SEGMENT 3: If Nunn plays a lot of minutes, someone(s) is gonna have to sit. But who?

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

BetOnline AG

There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus.

PrizePicks

Don’t hesitate, check out PrizePicks.com and use promo code: “NBA” or go to your app store and download the app today. PrizePicks is daily fantasy made easy!

TrueBill

Don’t fall for subscription scams. Start cancelling today at Truebill.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices