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Coach Darvin Ham told reporters on Thursday that he andRussell Westbrookhave moved on and have formed an understanding afterthe former MVP linked the hamstring injury he sufferedto coming off the bench during the Lakers preseason finale against the Kings.

Westbrook has started every game hes played since he was a rookie. Because of that, Westbrook has developed a routine during his decorated 14-year career. Brodie said he wasnt sure how to warm up and prepare himself pregame after being told that he was coming off the bench against the Kings.

Ive been doing the same thing for 14 years straight, said Westbrookper ESPN, whos started 1,005 out of 1,022 games in his career. Honestly, I didnt even know what to do pregame. Being honest, I was trying to figure out how to stay warm and loose Thats something I just wasnt accustomed to.

On Thursday, Ham pushed back on any narrative suggestion that his decision-making led to Westbrook suffering his leg injury. He told reporters that the Lakers and his staff would in no way, shape or form put a player in harms way.

Let me be clear with this, Ham said before his team fell to theon Thursday night. The Lakers, myself, my staff, we would in no way, shape, or form put a player or an employee in harms way. Physically, mentally, spiritually. We dont stand for that. Were not about that. Thats not who we are.

Ham went on to say that the two had a brief discussion about Westbrooks comments and have moved on and that they have a better understanding now. As a former player, Ham said he understands respect and routine are essential to the nine-time All-Star. However, he did acknowledge that he has Lakers-specific goals that he needs Westbrook to meet.

Hes been around a long time. Hes been a high-level player for a very long time. So, I know what thats about and how that is, Ham said. But on the other hand, you have to be prepared to do whatever your team needs you to do. And thats called being a professional. So, however, we choose to use him, there has to be a willingness there to sacrifice for your teammates and overall good of the team if that course of action is going to lead to success.

Westbrook started the Lakers 103-97 loss to the Clippers, the seventh straight Hallway Series game theyve lost. The triple-double king shot 0-11 from the field and 0-16 from distance in 31 minutes of action but found other ways to help the Lakers by contributing two points, three rebounds, four assists, and four steals.

Ham reiterated that he had agood plan in placefor Westbrooksrole moving forwardbut added that Brodies minutes can go up, minutes can go down depending on the 2017 MVPs performance.

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