Summer League 2016-2017: Roster On Page 4, Schedule On P. 5

So when do we play next?

 

Went to the game yesterday. Got there really early and watched the cavs/wolves.. I met adam silver, coach thibs, kristen ludlow, larry nance, said whats up to Russell. It was pretty fun. I noticed a few things...Pre game I watched Russell drink 3 redbulls...thought that was kinda odd. He obviously played very well, but he was over dribbling a lot. And ingram has a long way to go. Obviously nothing shocking here but thats what most people were talking about at the arena and it was clear to see. Overall stoked to see him improving. EDIT: and zubac seems to really be liked by the players. I think he might be a steal.....And I also noticed that Russell was a loner most of the time when players came out to watch the game before them. (about 45 min before) Ingram, nance, zubac seemed to joke around and talk. And Russell seemed to kinda do his own thing. Might not mean anything but it was def noticeable. Nance signed autographs for a lot of people, russell took a couple pics and said hello to all the kids freaking out....Randle showed up and didn't talk to anyone and declined pics/autographs. I thought it was cool of russell to at least say hi to the kids and acknowledge them even though he didn't sign much. Randle wouldn't even look over.

 

What the f***? 3 Red Bulls before a game?

Someone please get Tim DiFrancesco on this guy stat. I know he's 19 but please enroll him in nutrition 101.

 

Thats what me and my buddy were saying. My guess, I think he partied a bit the night before. He was yawning a lot and pounding those
redbulls.

 

I bet the vibe was awesome that game! Thats funny cause me and my buddy were saying we should make it a yearly trip...Oh and i was really surprised at how crowded it was for a Monday ! Laker fans get a bad wrap sometimes but man, they really show support even when the team is terrible.

 

A loner? I could see things being that way for a bit. Plus he's closer to Clarkson I think.

 

Yeah I think you're right. clarkson wasn't there. Russell was walking around talking to random media people and ex players. Literally not one word to any players for like 45 min. And when they went back to the locker room to suit up the team went in and he went last.

 

Starting to get tired of all this crap getting thrown Russell's way. Sports world that bored that they have to dissect how Russell looking to the left in the team huddle while everyone is looking right is all of a sudden an action of defiance? Can you let the guy play basketball and have some fun? I hate the media so much. I really do. And too many fans fall for this s***.

 

That's probably why he has slow starts, all jacked up and not thinking clearly.

To show how far we have come in summer league, my Timehop reminded me that at this time last year we were running zone.....

In summer league. Thank God you are gone Boron.

 

I used to drink 3 redbulls before i went to bed Kid needs to step his game up...

 

I'm good .

 

i don't want to pile on russell, but i must admit that his manner concerns me. yes, he's very young, but i just want better. he's got a little harden vibe to him, in that things come so easy for him that certain activities, on and off the court, are beneath him. i suppose kobe had some of that, too, but he also had a legendary work ethic.

the thing that concerned me the other day was reading that russell has been viewing these like playoff games (his own words). if so, his lackadaisical play early in games and on the defensive end throughout games is troubling. if that's what you think max effort looks like, you're sorely mistaken.

now, in fairness, russell is far from alone in these characteristics. simmons obviously has them, as well as many other young players (and some vets). again, i think in my thirst for a real franchise player to succeed kobe, i want to see a better attitude. i think this is what byron was trying to fix (albeit stupidly and in damaging fashion). hopefully, the new staff will have more creative ways (aside from woodbutt and manup) to teach russell what it takes to be a star. and no, tom penn, it's not averaging 30pts in summer league.