Darvin Ham will be empowered to bench Russell Westbrook down the stretch of games next season, sources told Jovan Buha of The Athletic.

Buha adds that this could lead to Westbrook getting removed from the starting lineup altogether.

Ham publicly supported Westbrook in his introductory press conference as Lakers coach. 

Westbrook, who recently hired Jeff Schwartz as his agent, has been linked with a move to the Pacers, Knicks, and Jazz.