Clippers All-Star asked to start on the Bench to help team

The Los Angeles Clippers, boasting one of the NBA's strongest starting lineups, have faced a challenging streak since James Harden joined, losing every game and now enduring a six-game slide. In a bid to reverse their fortunes, the Clippers are now benching one of their star players.

Clippers Losing Streak

The Clippers had a promising start, winning three of their first four games, and there were reports of a new secret strategy aimed at securing a championship this year. However, they seemed to lack that final piece to compete at the level of the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, and Milwaukee Bucks. To address this gap, they acquired former MVP James Harden, forming what many considered the most powerful starting lineup in the NBA today.

Integrating a major superstar always comes with an adjustment period, but with Harden joining Westbrook, George, and Leonard, expectations were high for a quick synergy. However, the reality was different, and the team is struggling, currently at 12th in the Western Conference.


The challenge appears to be balancing the playing time and touches among four ball-dominant stars, hindering the lineup's effectiveness. In response, one starter has requested a move to the bench, willing to sacrifice his share of the ball to bolster the team's overall performance, especially the bench unit.

Former MVP Sent to the Bench

The star in question is former MVP Russell Westbrook. Allegedly, he approached the coaching staff directly to request this change, believing it will benefit the team overall and as of now, this change is set to debut tonight against the Rockets, with Terance Mann replacing Westbrook in the starting lineup.

Los Angeles Clippers star Russell Westbrook - the vocal leader of the team - has requested to come off bench to help the first unit establish some continuity, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/mMNwzDZ9w0— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 17, 2023

B/R Sources: Los Angeles Clippers star Russell Westbrook approached coaching staff about coming off bench to help accelerate the winning process. Terance Mann to start tonight against Houston Rockets. https://t.co/4NK3L0mi17— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 17, 2023

This move might surprise some, given Westbrook's reported reluctance to do the same for the Lakers not long ago. Whatever the reasoning, the circumstances have shifted as the Clippers aim to quickly reverse their form and target victory in the inaugural NBA in-season tournament.s change is set to first apper tonight against the Rockets where Terrnace Mann will repplace Westbrook in the starting lineup.

The NBA in-season tournament standings heading into tonight's slate 🍿 pic.twitter.com/j498neGnDP— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 17, 2023