LeBron James shares thoughts on Russell Westbrook staying with Lakers

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LeBron James says he is supporting Russell Westbrook and looking forward to hopefully having a big season with the former NBA MVP. After Westbrook's poor first year in Los Angeles, James reportedly pushed for the Lakers to trade Westbrook and that didn't sit well with Westbrook.

Since the Lakers haven't been able to find a trade partner for Westbrook, it seems that he will get another chance in Los Angeles. "I look forward to being a part of the journey with him this year, and I'm looking forward to a great year for him," James said of being teammates with Westbrook, per ESPN.

"And I'm going to be right there with him." Westbrook is coming off probably the most challenging season of his career. Heading into the new season, Westbrook is hoping to get back on the right track. "Whatever unfolds, unfolds," Westbrook said.

"I'm just happy and blessed to be able to play the game I love."

Westbrook has the support of James, Lakers head coach

This offseason, the Lakers fired Frank Vogel and hired Darvin Ham. "Me and Darvin have been in communication since Day 1," Westbrook said.

"Just being able to connect with him right away was extremely important to me." Westbrook has received lots of criticism since the start of this year. But Ham insists that Westbrook is a hard worker and is putting team first.

"He's been awesome," Ham said of Westbrook. "Everything I've asked of him, he's done. Anytime we call on him, talk to him, everything has been about being selfless, being team-oriented, having a defensive mindset and holding him to that -- words that came out of his own mouth that, you know, that he's going to be at a very high level defensively along with the rest of our roster." Some feel that this season is Westbrook's last chance to prove that he is still a quality player in the NBA.