Since Los Angeles Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell moved from the starting lineup to the second unit on the part of JJ Redick‘s decision, the Lakers offense has improved. Additionally, the Lakers have improved their overall play, having recently won two consecutive games on the road. Now, the questions surrounding Russell’s future in LA have also possibly shifted.
Lakers Point Guard Demotion May Have Saved His Tale
Lakers Decision to Demote Point Guard D’Angelo Russell Working in their Favour
This is the version the Lakers need out of Russell. He’s a more efficient and effective version of the same man who shot a Lakers single-season record 226 three-pointers a year ago. In eight games starting alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves, D’Lo averaged 12.0 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.3 rebounds. His field goal percentage was also severely off, shooting just 37.5% and 29.2% from three. Simply put, those numbers are not good and don’t reflect the kind of talent and scoring abilities Russell possesses.
However, since Redick replaced Russell with Cam Reddish, Russell’s numbers have primarily stayed the same, with one caveat: efficiency. Since coming off the bench, he has averaged 12.2 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.8 rebounds. From looking at a stat sheet, there is nothing impressive there, considering those stats are relatively similar to his starting stats. But efficiency is critical here as D’Lo’s averages have dramatically improved. From the field, he’s shooting 46%, and from three, 40.0%—quite the turnaround from his starting numbers.
Redick has praised Russell’s attitude, professionalism, and uptick in productivity of late. Synchronously, the roster change appears to be benefiting both parties. Given this recent change in circumstances (the Lakers are also winners of five straight), has Russell made a case for the Lakers to move off of him in trade scenarios? Sources within the organization point to that as a very real possibility, according to Clutch Points’ Anthony Erwin.
Why LA Should Ride it Out with D’Lo…Again
This may be the perfect place for Russell within the organization that drafted him years ago and Redick’s go-to guy for offense off the bench. There was an argument down the stretch of last season for Russell being the reason the Lakers were able to push to the play-in. He shot the lights out in the waning weeks of the regular season. His benching at the hands of Darvin Ham played out negatively. When Redick made the same move, the reaction on Russell’s end was the polar opposite. This time around, Russell is thriving.
D’Lo is instant offense when he’s on target and aggressive. His three-point shooting is considered his strongest asset. Although, one could argue that his ability to drive to the net, as shifty and smooth as he does, is his most effective threat.His ability to get to the paint and toss up a floater or fade away is one of the Lakers most effective offensive plays. When Russell zig-zags towards the basket, opponents aren’t entirely sure what he’ll do. He’ll either throw up a shot, pass the ball off to an open shooter, or in the form of an ally-oop. He’s unpredictable once he breaks off the three-point line. Of course, Russell’s problem offensively has always been consistency. Well, in the short-lived experiment Redick has attempted, Russell’s consistency has turned into efficiency. So far, the Lakers are better for it.
If D’Lo manages to play himself into remaining a part of the Lakers this season, he doesn’t just have himself to thank. He also has Redick to thank for putting him in a position to succeed.
