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Lakers rumors: Is D’Angelo Russell on the path to being a superstar?

By Keith Rivas

Mar 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (right) moves the ball past Washington Wizards guard John Wall (left) during the first quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (right) moves the ball past Washington Wizards guard John Wall (left) during the first quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) controls the ball in front of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) controls the ball in front of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Current Star Comparison

After winning the draft class argument, the next criteria for Russell’s growth comes when paired against current stars. Not with their current numbers, but their averages at the same respective point in their career as Russell is right now.

The stars that will be used for this comparison are Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry, and Tony Parker. All three are household names in the NBA, but it took plenty of development to get where they are now. Also, the second season of their respective careers will be what’s compared to Russell’s latest stats.

Let’s start with Kyrie Irving. Now one of the can’t miss point guards in the league, the former Duke standout has shown plenty of progression since being drafted. Taken first overall by Cleveland in 2011, Irving’s second season saw averages of 22.5 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.7 rebounds.

Second, Steph Curry averaged 18.6 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. Along with Irving, Curry’s game is unlike anything we’ve ever seen in the league. He wasn’t always the unanimous MVP we remember from last season, though.

Finally, San Antonio mastermind Tony Parker’s second year averages included 15.5 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.6 rebounds. Russell edges Parker in points averaged, while just one assist behind Curry and Irving’s prior averages.

Not to mention he’s right where he wants to be in terms of rebounds each night.

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