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Lakers rumors: Could the Lakers consider shopping D’Angelo Russell?

By Keith Rivas

Dec 22, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) looks on as Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) looks on as Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 13, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton talks with Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) while playing against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton talks with Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) while playing against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /

Chemistry and coachability

A major road block that we’ve not encountered with D’Angelo Russell this year is issues with the head coach. While Byron Scott was at the helm, there seemed to be problems left and right between Russell and his coach.

Luke Walton’s presence has eased those tensions dramatically.

While that’s a great way to go through the season, complete peace can only go so far. This young core is capable of a lot, which means that Russell will have to understand it’s not all about him.

That being said, Walton ensuring that Russell remains coachable is key.

If Russell’s talents get to his head, it will only prevent the rest of the team from thriving. Whether that comes in the form of bad shot selection, awful passing, or even careless turnovers is yet to be determined.

This idea goes hand in hand with the chemistry that he has with other players. He seems to have connected well with Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and Brandon Ingram.

So far, so good, right?

Additionally, Russell has appeared to patch things up with Nick Young, who also took personal issue with Russell last season.

What this reason boils down to is maturity. It’s one thing to have to deal with injuries, but to get to the point where returning every time in a mature manner comes as second nature doesn’t come easily.

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