Lakers coach Frank Vogel has been told by the team's management to coach star guard Russell Westbrook as he sees fit, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, even if it means benching Westbrook at the end of games.
ESPN's report on the assurances given to Vogel by the front office comes after Westbrook was pulled for the final 3:52 of Los Angeles's 111–104 loss to the Pacers on Wednesday night.
Westbrook logged 14 points on 5-for-17 shooting in 27 minutes Wednesday.