D'Angelo Russell Discussion: Adopting A Professional Attitude

the content of that tweet is a sorta funny given the recent conversation here...

i think you don't...because the list is actually pretty short. the list of players who were clearly on the road to stardom after two years absolutely dwarfs it.

i'd argue westbrook "broke out" in his rookie year--it was clear he was going to be a star; i don't think many questioned it even at that point. that's where i'd like russell to be by the end of this year.

 

I think we as fans just want to win, see our players reach their full potential, and want it yesterday. I don't see a problem here.

 

he had a handful last year, and he's had a mixed bag early. i actually think he's going to be quite good; i'm just a bit surprised at all the backlash tada got for making what i thought were reasonable observations and statements. i didn't see anyone "hating" on anything.

 

Well, no one is trying to make "excuses" for him.

We're on the road with a team still trying to develop some sort of chemistry in the first 5 games of the season. We lose a few games and the ceiling starts to fall down on him as if he's expected to be a star in every game because of his age and it being his second season. Everyone develops a little differently.

He just put together another all around game and that's what you're going to have to live with while they figure things out. Consistency will be hard to come by from the get go.

 

Apparently having high expectations for our cornerstone player equals HATE. Rationality and objectivity is screaming and whining. Whatever.

 

'I just hope people don't make the same mistakes as last year and overhype Russell too much, again.

Last season began with people expecting a passing savant, a second coming of Magic Johnson and got frustrated, even though he had a pretty decent rookie year, given the conditions he had.

Now, all I read about Russell is "breakthrough" "leading the Lakers", "getting the torch passed by Kobe"... easy... I do expect Russell to be a LOT better than last season, given the learning curve, offseason training and, most of all, Luke instead of Mr Parking Break.

But, I also see Russell struggling to take over the leading role; being the go-to guy and a defense target is not something you deal with easily. There's a new system to adapt to, a new role, new teammates, all that in a team that is still being built. He's also expected to (and willing, AFAIK) play more defense, which takes its toll. I can see Russell struggling, mainly in the 1st half of the season and people being, AGAIN, frustrated, calling him a bust...

TBH, I see 2017-18 as his breakthrough season. As for this one, I'm ready to see moments of brilliance, but a lot of ups and downs. He will be great, maybe just not now.'

Eindhoven from LG; September 27th, 2016.

Nobody is calling him a bust here, but I read this every now and again to keep my expectations in check after Russell has a good or bad game.

 

LOL. How was the game last night? Fun?

 

It was fun. Got there late, but half the place was Laker fans. Half of those were wearing Laker gear too.

 

I remember when Kobe went off (right before the Achilles) and Kobe converted the ATL fans to Lakers fans; that's what greatness does, I guess.

Glad you had a good time and got to see a victory!

 

you Mitch. You and Jim meddled and ruined me, just like Phil is doing in NY now to Hornacek. People are asking me my opinions on things now. Can you believe it?

 

Good post and I agree.

 

OMG!! The Warriors got RW too?? Where's Gilbert? Where's the gnome Stern when you need him?

 

The laker gang is back, we just needed to see a little hope haha. It was like your big bro saying something and you question it probably in the demeanor you shouldn't have used but it's your bro so you didn't think it was a big deal.

It's all love baby, now come here and let's hug and pray for a victory tomorrow lol. Watch Russell show out and his stat sheet is as good as Currys.

 

I don't think there's anything wrong with high expectations, I just think declaring year two as a sort of deadline for a great player to show up is a bit arbitrary. Players all have different paths, and I think D'Lo is ahead of schedule in some ways.