D’Angelo Russell Must Overcome Early Summer League Jitters
By Keith Rivas
Already in the NBA’s Summer League action we’ve seen D’Angelo Russell’s tremendous upside, but we’ve also seen some of his shortcomings — let’s hope he doesn’t dwell on the latter for too long.
With the promise of a bright future past the Kobe Bryant era in his hands, D’Angelo Russell couldn’t ask for a more opportune time to prove himself.
This coming season will provide Russell the chance to show the Lakers front office, dedicated fans, and media analysts that he’s more than just hype and can walk the walk he needs to in order for the Lakers to become dangerous again.
He’s more than up to the challenge.
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In college he had plenty of doubters, but that didn’t stop him from balling his heart out for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
On top of that, despite not getting to experience a deep March Madness run — to say the least — Russell still managed to show that his hard work outside of the public spotlight was not done in vain.
And he sealed it with his selection as the second overall draft pick for the Los Angeles Lakers.
One of the biggest pieces to the Lakers’ immediate future is the meshing between young Russell and fellow star Julius Randle.
Randle’s size will help him as he goes through what we hope is his first full healthy season in purple and gold, and it will also give Russell some youth to lean on.
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Russell is practically getting thrown into the fire — being that he’ll be up against the star point guards of the West that include Steph Curry, Tony Parker, and James Harden to name a few.
While this appears at first like it will be too much to handle, what Russell must understand is that it will be the quickest way for his game to reach it’s peak — and from there all he has to do is enjoy the ride.
Other than Kobe Bryant and occasionally Byron Scott, Russell’s biggest basketball mentors are going to be his direct opposition.
Another plus for Russell is that guys like Tony Parker are heading out of the league very soon and if he can practice what he sees in his opponent’s game plan in the film room, there’s no reason to think he won’t be at the top of his position in no time.
And no time is the best time for the Lakers and everyone who’s stayed with the ship that hasn’t been much fun lately, especially last season.
Bottom Line: To be the best, you must believe.
Russell will also get to develop a relationship with Jordan Clarkson, LA’s most recent rookie standout.
With plenty of room left to grow, the biggest thing for D’Angelo Russell is that he continues to be himself and from that point on the rest will come and take care of itself.