Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook played opening night, despite having dealt with hamstring soreness to end the preseason. Westbrook started and logged 31 minutes in the Lakers loss to the Golden State Warriors.

After the game, Westbrook was asked about Lakers coach Darvin Ham experimenting with him coming off the bench to end the preseason. The veteran point guard played fewer than five minutes before exiting with a sore hamstring. Westbrook believes that was caused, in part, by coming off the bench.

“I’ve been doing the same thing for 14 years straight,” Westbrook said. “Honestly I didn’t even know what to do pregame.”

Postgame, Ham praised Westbrook's contributions and willingness to sacrifice for the team. He did not address if he planned to bring the former All-Star off the bench at during the regular season.