D'Angelo Russell Discussion: Adopting A Professional Attitude

That shot he hit over Smart was getting Randle's back after getting dunked on. Loved that by Russ!

 

I think the guys wanted it for themselves too. The cool thing about having guys so young is they're willing to get caught up in something like this rivalry. The last couple years with all the journeymen out there on the floor in our uniforms, it didn't really feel like Lakers/C Bags. Last night it felt like we were getting back to that point. There is such a long, rich history there and it's awesome to see players step into that spotlight and thrive.

 

To think someone said Russell is unaware of the rivalry? Yes, the young man will be just fine. Oh and I haven't heard any reports this morning of him punching up some clown-bags in the city.

 

I thought Russell played so well last night. I loved all of his off ball movement and the guys responded by hitting him in the perfect spots on the baseline. I hadn't seen him so active before off ball and it was wonderful. He and JC are going to be quite a back court for the future.

Other than a few clunkers (absolutely expected for a 19 year old rookie), Russell has gotten better and better as the season has gone on. I was upset when the FO picked him over Okafor, but as I said earlier this season I'm way over that and am so glad that they did. I like this kid's poise, I like his ability to score clutch baskets, I love how he runs the offense, I like his defense, I like that he does take it to the hole where he was tentative at the beginning. Other than the fact that he's not the fastest or most athletic guy which is something he can't help, I have no real criticism for him. He's a leader. And I think he'll be a great running mate with Clarkson and Randle.

 

^It will take time for the young man to learn and adjust to NBA speed... I agree that he is developing. They are pacing his growth even if it is infuriating to a large degree. It will pay off in the long run. Russell from the looks of it never lets anything get to him. He's not edgy like Randle and Clarkson though the former gets frustrated while the latter keeps coming. In some ways, Russell and Nance have the same personality. Never fazed by situations.

 

Agreed on all points here. His defense surprises me at times, when he locks in he can have some great defensive possessions. His height allows him to block some other PG's shots too. I'll also add that he's also a very decent rebounder and I think as his career goes along he could even average a 1 or 2 more.

 

They wanted this win. Russ was aggressive as soon as he came in, Randle was dunking and flexing and letting out some yells. And on the other end Crowder, IT, and some others were doing the same. It might not be a rivalry anything close to the glory days, but these kids seem to get it, and I think the teams are already starting to not like eachother.

 

And I think his lack of athleticism is overblown. He's not John Wall or Russell Westbrook, but of the top guys in the NBA right now, only LBJ, Russ, Blake and Davis are freak athletes. Steph, Harden, Durant, Leonard, Aldridge, Butler...they are all good athletes, but aren't freaks. That's where Russell is. He's a real good athlete, he's just not a freak. Same goes for Randle. His tiny arms are insanely overblown. You'd think he was a T-Rex out there when his wingspan is only like an inch or so on each arm less. And it's not that his arms are short. They are perfectly proportional. They just aren't long.

 

You could feel a palpable difference in this game compared to the last two years. The guys seemed to want this one more and I appreciate that. It makes me feel like these guys are invested not just in themselves, but in the franchise like we are. The last two years with Lin, Price, Wesley Johnon, Ed Davis, Carlos Boozer, it felt like mercenaries in a war. They're here, they'll fight, but they're not invested the same way a countryman is.

 

I couldn't agree more. Well said

 

I really like Russ as well. I think he has sky high potential and I like his attitude. While he seems fun loving, it seems he also has a good work ethic by reports and gets serious about the game.

 

Bad shooting night, but oh man, that behind the head drop pass to Randle? That was SO sick!!

 

To be fair Okafor I believe is banged up so I'm not sure he's playing at his full right now. Not to mention, if he had ended up being a Laker, I think his attitude would be markedly different.

Still I'm very happy with D'Angelo and I'm excited to move forward with him at the helm. He and Julius are starting to figure it out a little bit and I think them on the fast break last night looked exactly like I always imagined it would.