Bill Plaschke: Russell Westbrook is still combative, and the Lakers are still torn

LOS ANGELES — It was scheduled as a day filled with opulent optimism, the Lakers supposedly beginning training camp by regaling reporters with a new coach, new focus, new energy.

It was, instead, another day in Russell Westbrook Hell.

He's still a Laker. He's still combative. He's still Russ.

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

The Lakers are still hassled. They're still hopeful. They're still torn.

"For any player on our team, you have to always be evaluating the roster … if we have to continue to upgrade our roster throughout the season, we will," said Rob Pelinka, but later added,