LA Lakers head coach Frank Vogel has been under the scanner for the team’s mundane performance in the ongoing season. The Lakers currently have a 26-30 record in the ongoing edition and they suffered another disappointing loss against struggling Portland Trail Blazers by 107-105 on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook missed his first match of the season for the Lakers due to tightness in his lower back. However, there is no denying the fact that Westbrook hasn’t been up to the mark for the Lakers in this season.

Westbrook hasn’t been accurate with his shooting and has also conceded more turnovers. A lot was expected when Westbrook was roped in by the Lakers before the season but the 33-year old veteran hasn’t been able to stand tall to the expectations.

In fact, Westbrook was benched by Frank Vogel against New Yorks Knicks in Overtime and also against Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth quarter.

Speaking on the team’s trade, Vogel revealed they won’t miss a chance to improve his team.

“If there are ways to improve our team, we’ll try to improve our team, other than that, I got nothing to say about the trade deadline”

Vogel added that the team’s need is the most important thing for him.

“The need of the team always comes first. Russ has accomplished a lot in this league and he’s had some great games and sequences for us here. But my job is to win games and when you get in those situations, you have a script of who you believe is gonna be in there and the game will tell you otherwise if a change is needed. We have to do whatever it takes to get the Lakers a win. Sometimes he’s gonna be in there for that and sometimes he’s not.”

Westbrook has had a disappointing season as he is averaging 18.3 PPG, the fewest for him since his sophomore season in the NBA. Furthermore, he has turned over the ball on 224 occasions, which is the most in the season.

Lakers will next face Golden State Warriors on Saturday and it is going to be another tough challenge for them against a potent and in-form team.