After their run to the Western Conference Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to capitalize on their success with a revamped roster that arguably won free agency. Aside from the superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, there are other notable names to watch when considering who must step up next season. Austin Reaves is back with momentum on his side. Newer Lakers Gabe Vincent and Jaxson Hayes are rightfully in the conversation. But the Lakers’ real “X Factor” for success next year? D’Angelo Russell.
D’Angelo Russell Will be the X Factor for the Lakers Next Season
Russell’s Immediate Impact and Fit
From the year he was drafted to the month he returned, his status as an offensive threat is constant. Russell creates great opportunities for himself and others. Moreover, there have been several games where his contributions have mattered the most. Though the roles have changed in between stints—from leading a young team in a post-Kobe Bryant rebuild to being the third option on a title contender—his prowess as a scorer and playmaker cannot be denied.
The numbers show that Russell fits like a glove next to James and Davis. Though they only played eight regular-season games together, the trio played well together. They posted an offensive rating of 123.4 and a defensive rating of 103. Their chemistry had taken a slight hit in the playoffs, as their ratings on both sides of the ball were an even 113.1. A rating that is not terrible, but not exceptional, either. Still, there’s no doubt they can continue to gel with a full offseason together. Getting their chemistry right during that time will hopefully spark a trend down the line.
Playing Without James and Davis
Putting Russell’s fit with James and Davis into context allows for a better examination of how D’Lo performs when the two aren’t next to him. In nine games without James on the floor, Russell averaged 20.2 points and 6.7 assists per game. D’Lo shot 47% from the field and 38% from three. Russell only played one game without Davis, when he recorded 18 points and seven assists against the Houston Rockets on Mar. 15. He has faced a myriad of situations throughout his career. For the most part, Russell has stepped up as the top option when called upon. In a season when the supporting cast matters now more than ever, look for the Lakers to turn to Russell if the team’s superstars miss time.
Expectation: Turning Weaknesses into Strengths
As talented as Russell is, there are still a few hurdles he must jump over heading into next season.
Right off the bat, the main sticking point of D’Lo’s game has been his defense. As mentioned earlier, though his defensive rating next to James and Davis was pretty solid, his individual rating (117) leaves a lot to be desired. The solution last season was pairing Russell with AD’s superb shot-blocking skills, which worked well throughout the remainder of the year. Under the defensive mind of head coach Darvin Ham, Russell’s habits on that end of the floor should improve, even in increments.
Russell’s expected improvement on defense should translate well for his offense, which took a major hit in the 2023 postseason. His averages of 13.3 points on 42% shooting from the field were the worst of his playoff career. This trend in the wrong direction is disturbing for a franchise with title aspirations. As a result, his performances against last season’s playoff teams will be critical. With enough reps against high-level competition, Russell should be ready for the 2024 playoffs— if everything goes to plan.
Extra Motivation: Starting Slot Not Guaranteed
Finally, if Russell needs a little more motivation to thrive next year, the aforementioned addition of Gabe Vincent provides that.
Vincent, unlike Russell, is coming in after starting throughout the Miami Heat’s Finals run. In 22 games, he averaged a career-best 12.7 points and 3.5 assists per game on 40-37-88 splits. Now, he is currently projected as the sixth man behind Russell, but could give the current starter a run for his money, according to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha.
“Point guard is one of two starting lineup spots that are up for grabs (James, Davis and Reaves are obvious starting locks),” Buha wrote. “Russell and Vincent will compete for the spot, with Russell projected as the early favorite to start.”
Additionally, Buha noted that Russell has started “89 percent of his NBA games (435 for 491)” and that LA “can also rehabilitate Russell’s trade value by starting him and helping him bounce back to last season’s regular-season production.”
Vincent comes in as a better defender and more reliable postseason player, marks that Russell has not hit just yet. As a result, the battle for the starting point guard spot will be worth watching in training camp. It’s one of the biggest tests Russell must pass to make a substantial impact on the team next season.
The Last Word on D’Angelo Russell
D’Angelo Russell showed he can play well next to LeBron and AD. Nevertheless, he has a ways to go before cementing himself as the true third option. With a full offseason of development under his belt, Russell can be a difference-maker for the Lakers come October. He comes into training camp with a lot to prove, whether it’s his expected growth on defense, the need for consistency in the playoffs, or simply securing his starting spot. Getting to a team’s “X Factor” status isn’t as easy as it looks. However, D’Lo will have enough ice in his veins to make it happen.
