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Lakers rumors: Three reasons tanking is bad for Los Angeles

By Keith Rivas

Apr 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Clippers won 115-104. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Clippers won 115-104. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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February 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) controls the ball agaist the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) controls the ball agaist the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

D’Angelo Russell is starting to play like he means it

Sure, it’s easy to nit pick when a player does bad in a game or over a certain stretch. Point guard D’Angelo Russell is definitely deserving of criticism when he under performs. However, playing the hero has been something that’s been great to see as the season closes.

Most recently, of course, was his game winner against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Some might argue that instead of trying to win games, the Lakers should worry about losing to benefit from the draft.

The fault in this argument is that it’s not what those same people were saying at the beginning of the year. If winning suddenly loses it’s value just because the want for a new face is so strong, then why win at all?

It seems to go exactly in line with how Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. see things.

The biggest question mark out of anything that the Lakers faced this season was and still is D’Angelo Russell. Deciding whether or not he’s their point guard or shooting guard moving forward is also up for debate.

That can be handled during draft time — for now, though, the players have shown they still want to win. Not giving up on what some would also say is a lost season gives that glimpse of hope that much more shine.

All they need to do, especially when it comes to Russell, is translate that mentality into enough of a drive to win games and start competing again.

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