D’Angelo Russell: Throughout the 2023–24 NBA season, D’Angelo Russell has emerged as a beacon of honesty within the Los Angeles Lakers’ ranks.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a recent interview, the Lakers guard showcased his candid nature once more, shedding light on his tenure with the team and addressing his benching during the 2023 Western Conference finals.
Russell didn’t mince words when he discussed the dynamics within the Lakers’ setup, particularly regarding his relationship with former teammate Dennis Schröder and assistant coach Darvin Ham.
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He pointed out that Schröder’s close ties with Ham hindered his own ability to connect with the coach directly during challenging times.
D’Angelo Russell Revealed To ESPN’s Dave McMenamin
“[Schröder’s] relationship with Darvin is the reason I couldn’t have a relationship with Darvin,” Russell revealed to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “When I was struggling, I would’ve been able to come to the coach and say, ‘Bro, this is what we should do. Like, I can help you.’ Instead, there was no dialogue. … I just accepted it.”
Russell’s reflection on this period didn’t shy away from the harsh realities. He bluntly noted the outcome of the situation, juxtaposing his current presence with the Lakers to Schröder’s absence.
“And we got swept and I’m here and he’s not. And I like our chances,” Russell emphasized to ESPN, underlining his commitment to the team’s success.
Amidst swirling trade rumors, Russell faced immense pressure leading up to the February 8 trade deadline. However, instead of succumbing to the noise, he delivered a stellar performance on the court, arguably the best of his career.
D’Angelo Russell’s Numbers Soared To 22.7 Points And 6.0 Assists On 48.8% Shooting In January
His statistics paint a clear picture of his resurgence: from averaging 10.2 points and 5.4 assists per game on 41% shooting in December, Russell’s numbers soared to 22.7 points and 6.0 assists on 48.8% shooting in January. Notably, his three-point shooting saw a remarkable improvement, jumping from 32.7% to an impressive 45.9% within a single month.
Even as February rolled around, Russell’s momentum didn’t wane. As the Lakers intensified their push for the playoffs, Russell elevated his game once again. In the initial five games of March, he’s maintained an impressive average of 22.0 points per game, with shooting percentages of 51.9% from the field and 48.8% from beyond the arc.
Russell’s journey with the Lakers has been a testament to resilience and determination. Despite facing challenges and external pressures, he’s demonstrated a steadfast commitment to his team’s success. As the Lakers continue their playoff pursuit, Russell’s contributions on and off the court remain invaluable, showcasing his enduring impact within the franchise.
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