D’Angelo Russell returned to the Lakers’ starting lineup four games ago. Since that return he has averaged 17 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 31.5 minutes a night. Beyond the numbers, though, he’s looked steady, confident, and in control of the team’s offense and his own individual game.
No where is this more clear than in how Russell is attacking the basket in both the half court and in transition. When working in the P&R, Russell is finding ways to get to the rim more often and in the open court he’s being more aggressive in looking to finish which is opening up more passing angles when the defense decides they are going to try and cut him off.
It turns out, though, that sometimes Russell doesn’t even need a passing angle to open up. Sometimes it seems he’ll just create one out of thin air, fabricating an opening to get off a pass. Such was the case against the Grizzlies on Friday on a sweet dish to Julius Randle for a two-handed dunk:
Nutmeg ?? Dunkhttps://t.co/CMK9Yhm5j7
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 27, 2016
When I watched the play live, I really did not know what happened. It was only upon viewing multiple replays that I saw Russell actually threaded the needle to Randle by passing the ball through Zach Randolph’s legs.
Russell has many gifts as an offensive player. His soft touch around the rim, range on his jumper, and feel as a cutter all help him as a scorer. But it’s his ability as a passer, like in the play above, which really stands out. Hopefully we’ll be seeing these types of plays from Russell to Randle for years to come.
pat oslon says
SWEET! The present state of the team is rough but the future is bright.
Chris J says
He’s a very gifted offensive player who should only grow better as his body develops, confidence and experience level improve, and (hopefully) as he plays with more talent around him beyond that which is now present. As the season plays out, the more minutes he gets on the court with Randle and Clarkson, the better.
To become a great NBA player, let’s also hope this summer he begins to develop a serious interest in becoming a solid two-way player. Russell need not become Gary Payton reincarnate, but he’s got the size, game acumen and athletic ability to do much more than we’ve seen out of him to date on the defensive side. Whether its on him, the staff, a lack of a coherent scheme or all three, his defensive play has not been close to NBA caliber.
BigCitySid says
– Nice piece.
– It leads one to imagine how much brighter the near future would look to teammates, free agents, fans and others if present ownership actually focused on player development instead of a museum tour this season via their selection of coach, game plan and player personnel.
– To rr, nimble and others…Thank you for realizing Laker fans are not a monolithic group. We don’t all wear rose colored glasses.
matt says
I wonder if russell still has a chance to win the ROY
Ryan says
Matt, not with the numbers KAT is putting up (17 pts 10 rbs 1.8 blks). So far he looks like the best player in the draft.
I agree, DAR looks like a very gifted offensive players and should only get better as time goes on. Needs to greatly improve on defense if he wants to be a great NBA player though. Though I think at times he has shown signs that he can be better on that end.
George Best says
still a better pick than Porzingis and Okafor. Give it time.
BigCitySid says
– Baxter Holmes: D’Angelo Russell on starting: “I feel like if I mess up on something, I have a longer leash. Earlier in the year, it was like, no leash.” If someone feels that doesn’t affect a young player’s development…think again.
rr says
– To rr, nimble and others…Thank you for realizing Laker fans are not a monolithic group. We don’t all wear rose colored glasses.
—
Sid,
Get real. Most of the fanbase has been complaining all year about pretty much everything; that is what happens when a team is 11-49. Kobe is one of many problems. Like a lot of people with Kobe issues, you are far more emotional about him than many of his supporters are.
T. Rogers says
Sid,
At this point you can’t harp on Kobe anymore. The Lakers are a fish that’s rotting from the head down. The current situation surrounding Kobe is a product of the the people in charge more than anything else. They gave him the extension. They gave it to him while he was still recovering from an injury that has altered (and ended) many careers. Kobe didn’t fumble the coaching hires. Kobe didn’t screw up the free agent pitches. Kobe didn’t gave away the draft picks. Kobe didn’t let Gasol, Howard, and Kaman all walk for nothing.
That is not to say Kobe is above criticism. But he’s got one foot out the door. Being left with the Jeanie, Jim, and Bryon worries me way more than anything Kobe is doing or not doing on the floor right now.
BigCitySid says
– Agree completely gentleman. Present ownership has done nothing but make the wrong decisions (including only protecting this season’s top 3 draft position). And I’ve stated that for sometime. As far as Kobe goes, I’ve eased up on him, lol. He insisted on “eating 1st” and being the highest paid player in the league (which he has been for the last seven seasons) and he got his wish….thru the best of times, and the worst of times. His resume will be what it will be.
Even Jimmy Buss has finally conceded the ship has sailed and has instructed Scott to let the kids play more.
Vasheed says
Wow, I watched that a few times. It’s hard to see how he made that pass until you see the second camera angle.