ESPN: Vogel was assured that management would support him in taking a hard line in Westbrook

Over the past week and a half, Lakers management has told the coaching staff to coach Westbrook when coaches see fit, even if it means pulling him out of the game, as Vogel did in the final 3:52s of the fourth quarter

One source close to the situation described management's message to employees as "you have to do what you have to do."

In addition to the offensive struggles, Westbrook's performance on the defensive end was not satisfactory.

The coaching staff has repeatedly stressed that scouting reports should pay attention to Le Vere's right-hand breakthrough, and Westbrook still let LeVert break through to score a layup when defending Le Vere in a key one-on-one defense.

According to various reports, Wagle's job has been in jeopardy since Los Angeles was beaten by 37 points at the Denver Nuggets last weekend.

Sources said the coaching staff had been debating whether to let Westbrook sit on the bench at the end of the game, but they refrained from fearing a lasting psychological impact on Westbrook.