D’Angelo Russell, now in his ninth NBA season, reflects on the adjustments he had to make when playing alongside basketball icon LeBron James for the Los Angeles Lakers. In an interview, Russell emphasized the shift in his role, acknowledging that he needed to adapt to not being in as much control with the ball in his hands, playing alongside one of the greatest players of all time.
“I’m in year 9 and I feel like not being so much control of having the ball in my hand having to play off of one of the greatest of all time. I have to figure it out. I remember on the bullet train seeing D Wade and he was like, ‘Be energy’.”
“I can find a way to be energy next to them and I get there easily now. Imma go get that, bring it up and make something happen and everything becomes simple again.”
“But I gotta go get it now versus something people would get the rebound and pass it to me. I gotta go get it myself this time so I have 5-6 rebounds and that’s how I do that. That’s the answer.”
D’Angelo Russell on how he adjusted to playing with LeBron James (and Anthony Davis), via the Backyard👇 #LakeShow
“I’m in year 9 and I feel like not being so much control of having the ball in my hand having to play off of one of the greatest of all time. I have to figure it… pic.twitter.com/hJiXhk8J02
— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) January 11, 2024
Russell shared an insightful moment when he encountered Dwyane Wade on a bullet train, where Wade advised him to “be energy.” Taking this advice to heart, Russell found his way to contribute energy to the team, even when not handling the ball as much.
He described his approach as actively seeking opportunities to make things happen, highlighting the need to hustle for rebounds and create scoring opportunities. Despite the adjustment, Russell emphasized that everything becomes simpler once he embraces this energetic mindset.
Currently, Russell is averaging 14.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists, with shooting percentages of 46.3% from the field and 38.3% from beyond the arc. However, the Lakers, facing challenges on both ends of the court, recently made changes to their starting lineup, impacting Russell’s role. He returned to play after recovering from a tailbone injury, but uncertainties surround his future with the team, as trade talks involving his name circulate.
The Lakers, standing at the 9th spot in the competitive Western Conference with a 19-19 record, are actively exploring options to improve their performance. Despite the uncertainties and potential trade discussions, Russell remains committed to contributing to the Lakers’ success and helping the team secure victories.
Chandler Parsons Backs D’Angelo Russell
Chandler Parsons, a former NBA player, expressed frustration on behalf of D’Angelo Russell amid the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“He doesn’t even know if he’s going to be there next week and that’s frustrating to a player. He’s getting majority of the blame. Why would he buy in to what they are trying to do if all he hears is that he’s getting traded?”
Chandler Parsons backs D'Angelo Russell:
"He doesn't even know if he's going to be there next week and that's frustrating to a player. He's getting majority of the blame. Why would he buy in to what they are trying to do if all he hears is that he's getting traded?" pic.twitter.com/fmgVaLNhdy
— DOM 🏀 (@OfficialDomNBA) January 10, 2024
Parsons highlighted the challenges faced by Russell, acknowledging that not knowing if he will be part of the team in the coming weeks can be frustrating for any player. The constant trade rumors and the blame directed at Russell might hinder his ability to fully buy into the team’s objectives.
The Lakers, facing offensive struggles during Russell’s absence from the lineup, experienced a decline in 3-point shooting and offensive rating. While the team’s defense showed improvement, the offensive end suffered significantly in Russell’s absence.
With Russell being prominently featured in trade talks, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding his role with the Lakers. Despite this uncertainty, the Lakers are aware of the valuable contributions Russell can make to the team. He is recognized as an additional scoring option alongside stars LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves.
Russell also brings playmaking skills to the court, making him a valuable asset alongside LeBron and Reaves. Notably, Russell boasts an impressive 39% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, establishing himself as one of the team’s top shooters.
Now coming off the bench, Russell is prepared to embrace his role and demonstrate the impact he can have on the team. By showcasing his abilities and emphasizing his value, Russell aims to prove that the Lakers might be making a mistake in considering him for a trade. As trade rumors linger, Russell remains focused on contributing to the team’s success and dispelling any doubts about his role with the Lakers.
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