EL SEGUNDO, California — After an uncertain offseason, Russell Westbrook arrived at the Lakers' practice facility sounding pragmatic.

"Whether they want me here or not, it doesn't really matter," Westbrook said.

"My job is to be a professional and show up to work as I've always done."

After a turbulent 2021-22 season coexisting with Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis and playing under coach Frank Vogel, Westbrook was honest about what his second season in a Lakers uniform might look like with a new head coach in Darvin Ham and more court time with James and Davis.

"I don't have that answer right now," Westbrook said.

"But I know it's about competing. If we compete, the rest of it will take care of itself."

And after sitting in crunch time occasionally last season, Westbrook sounded more accepting of the possibility of a lesser role both to start and end games in the 2022-23 campaign.

"I'll do what's best for the team," Westbrook said, "and do whatever is asked of me."

What will the Lakers ask of Westbrook? Ham revealed he has "several options" on who to start in the backcourt, including Westbrook, Dennis Schroder, Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn and Austin Reaves.

"The guys that are going to get the minutes are the guys that are going out there to get stops," Ham said.

"He's told me personally he's going to commit to that side of the ball."

The Lakers have tempered expectations for this season after finishing 11th in the Western Conference last season at 33-49.

They saw players miss a combined 246 games due to injuries or illnesses, most notably James (26 games) and Davis (42).