I have many thoughts about D’Angelo Russell. Most of them good, some of them concerning, all of them pitted against the backdrop of his age, the direction the league is headed, and his current position on this specific version of the Lakers.
That’s a mouthful, I know.
In a shade under 4 weeks, Russell will turn 20 years old. In NBA years, he is a baby. And while he possesses a polished game, it sometimes only takes a light wipe to pull away some of that veneer and see all that he currently is not. And when playing for an organization that is not used to the types of lows currently experienced and in an era of instant gratification/reward seeking, the breaking down of what Russell isn’t has become a favorite pastime for some.
I am not completely exempt from this. I look at Russell and have concerns. He has a laid back demeanor that can, visually, influence how hard I think he’s playing — especially defensively. There are some bad habits I see nightly. Not running back hard on defense. Not defending with assertiveness. Relaxed hands when guarding on the ball. Lack of effort to fight on the glass when switching in the P&R. Not enough…well, effort. I see it.
Then I reflect. These are flaws, but they seem to be habits that can be broken. I watch guards who came into the league young and see where they are now and understand that the things I don’t like now are things which can be learned and executed as a career advances. I remember that he’s not yet even 20 and I know through good teaching and a want to be better, improvement comes over time. That doesn’t just apply to basketball.
I also see all the good in this kid’s game. All that skill. The ball handling — which could be tighter, but is still excellent. The shot making and pure stroke. The feel for passing and how defenses move. The ability to not only see the pass, but execute it on time and on target. The desire to lead. The recognition of the moment and the visual uptick in wanting to do more in games that are tight, late. And then I remember that he’s not yet even 20 and that through good teaching and a want to be better, improvement comes over time. And that, in this case, it does apply to basketball.
The month of January has been Russell’s best of his rookie season. I don’t need to tell you the stats. His scoring is up, his shooting is better, and his adjustment to playing within the flow of the game and then stepping outside of that flow to make an imprint has been the best it’s been all year. He has, seemingly, started to turn the corner and “get it”.
Or maybe not.
“Personally, for me, lackadaisical turnovers. I take the blame for a little bit of that. I’ve just got to be better. I’ve never really played point guard in my life. I went to college, I was a basketball player and I played every position. I got to this level and point guard was just thrown at me, so it’s something you’ve got to adjust to. It’s the hardest position in this league. I’d rather it be hard now than later. I’ll figure it out.”
Those are Russell’s quotes, via the LA Times, after last night’s loss to the Bulls. Russell played poorly. He had too many turnovers, more than one of which was the product of plain carelessness. During the game, there was also a report from Turner Sports’ David Aldridge where he said Russell “doesn’t know what he doesn’t know” and “has no idea what to even ask Byron Scott on what he can do to improve”. Aldridge added that Russell wants to get better, but doesn’t yet know how.
From Russell’s quotes to Aldridge’s in-game report, it’s all more than a bit troubling. But, let’s step back.
Heading into the draft, Russell consistently called himself a “basketball player” and skirted using the term “point guard”. Last night’s quotes that he never really played the position are important and telling. My own eye test says Russell is a “lead” guard in that he is very comfortable with the ball in his hands and making plays for himself or setting up his teammates for baskets. He has struggled some in running the team’s offense, but not any more so than Jordan Clarkson (again, in my opinion).
In fact, Russell has seemed almost too intent on running the team’s sets as often as he can, either as the player bringing the ball up or in giving up the ball early and letting his backcourt partner get an opportunity. Russell makes a play call (“chin”, “elbow”, etc) on most every possession or gives the ball to Clarkson or Lou Williams and dutifully stands in the corner as a spot up option. I have not tracked this, but the eye test tells me the Lakers other lead guards (Clarkson, Williams) do not make these same types of calls every time down.
Now, place this in the context of what it is that the coaches — specifically Byron Scott — want from Russell vs. what is seemingly wanted from other players. Earlier this week Russell was benched in the last two minutes vs. the Mavs for “trying to take over the game” and his confidence, while highlighted as a positive, was also placed in the negative context of bordering on cockiness. Russell was called out for the ball “sticking” with him.
Another theme of the season has been for Russell to cut down on his “mistakes”. In early November, Scott talked about the importance of winning and player development, and mentioned Russell’s need to cut mistakes down to help him stay on the floor. Later he also threatened the “young players” (aka Russell and Randle) floor time by also focusing on not wanting to see the same mistakes being made. And two weeks before being made a reserve, Scott had this to say about Russell’s mistakes:
“That learning curve is going away. We’ve been playing him minutes. He’s getting minutes and making mistakes. Now is a time I expect and will be more demanding. I’m not going to accept some of the mistakes we’re making, especially the ones that he makes over and over again. That’s up to him.”
I can’t speak to what standard others are being held to behind the scenes, but these types of public comments have, throughout the season, landed on Russell’s lap more than his teammates. When considering Russell isn’t the only one making mistakes, isn’t the only one where the “ball sticks”, and isn’t the only one trying to “take over games”, it all gets a bit murky in trying to decipher the head coach’s intent.
I have zero insight into how Byron Scott, behind closed doors or in his own mind, feels about Russell. I have heard some things on this topic that I will not report because they are hearsay and I don’t feel comfortable putting them in print. I will say, though, that Scott does seem to want to get the best out of Russell, but seems to only go about that in one way, at least publicly. Scott is fine issuing occasional compliments to his point guard, but will almost always balance those words with a critique. I get the sense Scott wants to humble the player in an attempt to break him down and build him back up. That said, this is pure speculation on my part.
What I can say is while I do not know how effective this approach is for other players, it does not seem like it is working terribly well with this specific one. Russell doesn’t seem to respond well to the public nature of the criticism and seems to internalize what is being told to him while searching for ways to improve, but not quite knowing what steps to take to get there.
Some of that, is on him to figure out. But it is also on the organization, the coach included, to bridge that gap. Russell must be willing to work and those around him must find the best ways to foster and nurture that desire to work. It’s on both sides to make this happen and get the most out of him.
My two cents on all this is pretty simple, though. I think Russell is fine. I think he has the potential to be a dynamic player for a long time. He also has some bad habits that need breaking and to be put in positions which aid him reach the top end of his potential. Whether that is happening now is up for interpretation, but I have my doubts. It’s on everyone in the organization to make sure I — and anyone else who thinks that — is wrong about that.
Bruce Warren says
It’s too bad the Lakers let Steve Nash get away to coach for the Warriors, as clearly Russell has not connected with BS.
Anonymous says
we could trade away a few first round picks and get Nash back
Clay Bertrand says
Nash would have been perfect for Russell although I don’t know REALLY how involved he is in Golden State on a day to day basis. Just the way Nash sees being a leader and a good teammate as part of the game would have been perfect to groom Russell toward being more of a PG.
TO me, It looks like Byron’s approach is poisoning Russell’s basketball soul. A little dramatic I know but he looks like his confidence is shot after that “cocky” comment from Scott following the Dallas game. Ridiculous comment to make. This whole damn league is COCKY!!! Russell looked unsure, gun shy and not engaged mentally to the game. When a guy with his self confidence starts publicly speaking down about himself you can see that he is not in a good place mentally. His body language suggests the same if you saw him on the bench the whole game.
I personally was STOKED to be able to see a Non Lou Williams backcourt and hoped Russell would start and play alot. I think HE may have expected to start too and perhaps was sulking which isn’t mature but is understandable.
We need a more modern coaching philosophy here.
BigCitySid says
– For those who may have forgotten, rookie Kobe despised his first Laker coach Del Harris. Kobe was cocky, wanted to do things his way, including more playing time even thought an All-star, Eddie Jones was playing ahead of him.
– Kobe was the 10th pick, DAR the 2nd.
– Not sure how many can’t believe how frustrating this year is to some players. The year long Kobe farewell tour isn’t universally loved by all.
– This is the double edged sword known as Kobe. Young impressionable players have seen and heard about his “Me 1st” attitude, even BEFORE he proved himself.
– Those who live in the past and disregard the future live to regret it…this season is a case in point. Another fantastic decision by this ownership group.
Clay Bertrand says
Am I the only one here who hates Reggie Miller and thinks he absolutely sucks as an announcer???
I’ve seen him listed as a possible GM candidate!!!! I still believe that was some kind of joke that he was even mentioned because Reggie is a tool.
Mid-Wilshire says
When one studies for an MBA at a University, one invariably takes courses in Management which includes the topic of managiing human beings. One of the major concepts in today’s theories of management is something called Situational Leadership.
In short, Situational Leadership means managing everyone differently, managing every situation differently. Why is this important? Because we’re all different. You shouldn’t try to manage everyone the same way.
Not everyone responds to “tough love.” Not everyone likes to be called out in public. In fact, few people do. (I was taught early in my career to criticize in private but praise in public.)
I believe that D’Angelo Russell needs a Head Coach who can be far more nurturing and supportive, a Head Coach who is willing to spend extra hours with him to hone his ball-handling skills and minimize his defensive lapses without making him feel like a second-class human being.
Obviously, I don’t know D’Angelo personally. But my intuition tells me that Byron’s tough-guy, autocratic, “I’m the boss and you’re the rookie so wise up and play well” approach may not be ideal for someone like D’Angelo.
After this season, I fully expect Byron to be dismissed. Hopefully, the Lakers FO will then realize the errors of their ways in which they have hired coaches who are inflexible, often play favorites (MDA did this, too), and insist on criticizing players publicly. Whomever they select must manage Russell (and Randle) very differently.
Byron’s methods are a case study in how not to coach a 19 or a 21-year old. The Lakers, in short, should choose a Head Coach far more carefully than they have in the past. They need a Head Coach who is an outstanding mentor and can respect the dignity of his individual players, especially the younger ones. After all, their “kids” are all they’ve got.
KevTheBold says
Sage post !
Agree totally.
bleedpurplegold says
Great read! I think the approach off breaking a player and building him back up has worked in some way for randle, as it seems to me he gives some extra effort i havent seen before.
I quickly wanna respond to vasheed about a comment in the last thread if i may:
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Vasheed
January 29, 2016
bleedpurplegold, you summarized the basic blue print for Scott’s Princeton and how it is specifically bad for DAR. […] All this is to say the Princeton should be scrapped for a system that favors the players we actually have and if unwilling to do so that coach should be fired.
________
I didn’t want to put it this way because i still belive in our head coach (even if it is hard these days) and i am thankfull for what he gave to this franchise….
But yeah you are right…it seems that we have to show him the door sooner than later. Scott is as stubborn as they come, which has cost him some jobs in the past. He does not adapt to the situation and roster at hand.
I just do not like the thought of a guy like him being fired, and to be honest, i cant see another coach having more success with this group. Thats why i would give him time until the end of the season no matter what.
Shaun says
scott shouldnt last long after this year …. has deteriorated every relationships in every stint kind of like scott skiles … player get fed up of him and hes lost every team at some point …. new direction will be in place in 2 years …. i think scott gets a pass … we hopefully improve in FA and if things dont go right he gets tossed midway next year or after the season
for me Dar has imprpved a lot over summer league and is probably the best pg in the draft but some guys like porzingus,turner, s johnson looking better
LKK says
Clay…
Reggie is funny… He actually said “paints in the point” last night. Horrible diction, delivery and analysis. Other than that he’s pretty good.
About DAR…
He may very well be a player like Walt Frazier or Sam Perkins, both of whom were very cool on the court but played very hard. I like his flashes on offense but am concerned with his lapses and sometimes poor effort on defense. It is, however, impossible to judge him fully, IMO, within the context of this lost season. The hope that we fans had coming into the year has been dashed. If Randle, Russell and Clarkson are the FO’s hopes for the future, they need time, patience, nurturing and experience. They also need to come ready to give their best professional effort every night. When Russ asks how he can get better, that would be a good place to start. Byron needs to come down off his mountaintop, as well. He’s not so accomplished that he can’t try new approaches and adapt to the times.
Anonymous says
we could trade away a few first round picks and get Nash back
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OMG, that was funny.
Baylor Fan says
Russell played in a funk for the first half last night. He handled the ball about as poorly as he could have. Hopefully, it is just something he needed to get over and he will begin paying attention to the those on the court around him.
Ray says
Mid-wilshire…. I am praying for Luke Walton to lead these young lakers back to respectability.
Darius.. Great stuff again… Love ur insight on our lakers
Anonymous says
I am praying for Luke Walton to lead these young lakers back to respectability.
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Much agreement in Lakerland. The question is whether Kerr is healthy enough for the Warriors to count on. They’ll pay Luke really well to be a number 1 assistant until they figure that out.
sean is says
People keep talking about how young Dloading is but he will turn 20 this year. While I agree some players do develop late, most players who can play at this level can play at this level when they are 19 or 20.
For example, Kyrie Irving, when he came into the league he was 19-20 years old and averaged 18(pt)/ 5.5(a)/ 4(r) with 47%(fg)/ 40%(3s)/ 87%(ft) splits on a similarly bad Cavs team with a similarly bad coach. I do like the way Dloading moves on the court at times but the truth is he is not playing that well. When players can play, they can play at any age. Just a bit concerned is all.
D. Peterson says
Steve Nash partnered with Robert Sarver to buy a Spanish soccer team, and Nash is involved in day-to-day operations.
Anonymous says
I disagree somewhat Sean, while it’s true that Irving played better if memory serves the Cavs didnt have all the ballhandlers the Lakers have, it’s a different situation Kyle wasn’t in and out of the lineup and getting benched in a regular basis. I like DAR and i said a lot of times that he CAN be special but a lot of this stuff is on him. I remember it wasn’t even the first week of the season and there were reports he was running around with a Kardassian or Jenner or whatever also there were reports he “gone hollywood”, he has this too cool for school attitude.Agree or disagree but BS is triying to break and build him back up but he is being terrible at it.But DAR needs to put in the work, I don’t mind if he is getting burned but he takes plays off on defense and is careless, all that’s on him, all this stuff about “not knowing what to ask the coach”? i know what he needs to do!! and is basically on the defensive side of the court. Im not worried about his offense he can score and his passing can be elite very soon but with all the ball hugs in tue roster it’s a tough situation. Some of it has to do with all the losing. A little observation, since Kobe call him and Julius out he is been triying his best on defense more active, i know that he can’t defend anymore but he is triying to put a point across and he is visibly sick and tired of the losing. DAR will he fine but he needs to take it upon himself to improve his defense, i dont ask for elite but adequate? i can live with. Yes Reggie sucks in the booth, and again after the Lakers fire BS we need to get Luke and pay him whatever it takes to bring him home…
Fulofunk says
Thanks for your insights on DAR Darius. Greatly appreciated and has me, personally, backing off my comments on his performance w/the Bulls. He is just a kid. If anyone has had their own at 19, they will understand what that really means. I can’t comprehend what DAR must be going through, especially after hearing his ‘point guard’ comments Darius mentioned. Last night after seeing him turn it over twice in a row, frustration took over, for me, and I lost some grace and compassion for the guy, but this post has restored some perspective. I’m glad we got him and I hope BS either figures out how to lead this group of young fellas differently, which I doubt he can, or as others have said so well here, the FO thinks long and hard and chooses their next coach VERY wisely.
Last night was just so frustrating to watch and posts like today’s help me stay calm….
KevTheBold says
Probably, The most insightful writeup I have ever read on D’Angelo.
Puts it all in perspective.
Excellent !
Thanks Darius
Patrick Lanigan says
Byron Scott is an awful coach. Publicly bashing the future of the franchise while privately saying nothing about what the kid needs to do (“play harder” and “be tougher” are about as helpful as telling Byron to “coach better”).
It is clear that Scott is and has been in way over his head. As a coach, he brings an old school temperament, but little else. His offensive scheme, in game adjustments, rotations, and ability to coach defense are all pathetic, and as flawed as Russell’s game is today, Russell is a substantially better basketball player than Scott is a coach.
Break him down to build him up? Please. Byron has the first part down pat, but it is painfully obvious that the Lakers need another coach to achieve the 2nd part of the equation.
jojo says
Another really good post Darius; thank you.