D’Angelo Russell Starting To Take Flight

Finally, D’Angelo Russell showed glimpses of the future Friday night in Brooklyn.

The Lakers beat the Brooklyn Nets for their first win of the season.

The Lakers’ 2nd overall pick, D’Angelo Russell was struggling a little bit to start the season and to start that game.

Honestly, if he would have struggled again, the pessimistic Laker fans would have came out for him and Jim Buss.

However, for one game Russell silenced many of his critics and showed the NBA what he can do going forward.

Additionally, Russell could have had more than16 points on 6-9 shooting.

But head coach Byron Scott felt the need to take out the scorching Russell mid-way through the third and did not bring him back until 3:45 of the 4th quarter.

Further, I know the Lakers fans don’t watch these games to see Lou Williams close every single night.

I like Lou,but I’d rather see the future going forward.

Russell played lights out but the most important factor is that he made the shots he missed a few games ago.

But going forward, Russell needs to be just as aggressive as he was against Brooklyn.

The stage was much bigger at Madison Square Garden Sunday afternoon for Russell and the Lakers — but Russell once again showed glimpses of what he can do.

He played with more confidence under pressure — what’s not to like?

Russell didn’t score as much points but he moved so much better more freely on the court.

Also, I’ve noticed Russell doesn’t turn the ball over as much as he did in summer league.

Going forward, I would like for Russell come off those pick & rolls to score first as opposed to passing.

When he can establish that he can score off pick & rolls, that’s when the passes will be there out of that set.

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Most defenders will concentrate more on stopping him from scoring.

Scott needs to let Russell learn from his mistakes on both ends of the court.

I am all for Scott being a tough coach on younger players but benching him the entire fourth quarter will not teach a younger player anything.

Additionally, game experience is the best experience.

At times, this team doesn’t fit Russell’s skill set of being a pass first point guard.

That’s why being aggressive should be apart of his approach to the game every single night.

The kid is a really gifted passer and Friday night he showed he will be a really good scorer.

Also, his defense is starting to improve and he reads passing lanes well.

The Lakers need to build the team around his skill set.

Pass first point guards need spot up shooters and guys who play well off the ball to showcase their full skills.

Bottom Line: Russell is ready to pull the trigger.

For example, Laker fans may dislike me, but the team should look similar to the Clippers.

Therein lies the blueprint to building a championship team is right across the hall.

That roster compliments Chris Paul perfectly — it’s time the Lakers started looking to build around the point guard they selected and thought so highly of in the first place.