Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel is dismissing the prospect of bringing Russell Westbrook in off the bench as some within the organization are calling for his demotion from the starting lineup, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Despite Vogel opting to start Westbrook, there reportedly have been multiple tense moments between the two recently, including one during a film session Friday.

Following the Lakers' last matchup – a 132-111 rout at the hands of the rival Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday – Westbrook acknowledged his ongoing struggles as the team tries to maintain its play-in seeding.