The Lakers look loaded for the 2023-24 season. Their additions have earned huge praise. Magic Johnson crowned former nemesis Rob Pelinka GM of the Year for his additions. Instead of chasing a superstar, the team brought in high-quality role players. Apart from that, they extended guys who were a major part of last season’s renaissance after the Russell Westbrook trade. One of those guys, D’Angelo Russell, is having a strong second coming to the team that drafted him. He will be up for another big challenge alongside LeBron James who always has high expectations out of his teammates.

However, there are some areas where he has not been effective at the NBA level. In that wake, his role with the team can differ this season.

LeBron James has the keys over Russell

Being a defensive stopper isn’t Russell’s profile. As per the LA Times, he admitted, “Yeah, I mean, last year they found a way to get me off the floor by not playing defense, I guess”. He then vowed, “So, [I] try to be a reason to eliminate that. Not give them a reason to not have me on the floor. Try to be as dangerous as I can on offense and try not to be a liability on defense. So, that’s what I’m working on”.

On the other hand, while Russell has incredible ball-handling skills and has been a strong passer. Despite being a Point Guard, he won’t have the keys as the Floor Manager. Former NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire previewed the Lakers season alongside Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles on their Knuckleheads Podcast. 

Miles noted, “I hope DLo is turned to a scorer instead of worrying about playing Point Guard. Because it’s hard to play Point Guard on a team with LeBron James”. To this Stoudemire quickly reacted, “LeBron is the Point Guard”.

However, D’Lo can still get a chance to run the PG position, considering James’ load management. With Gabe Vincent on the scene, will his minutes take a hit?

How will Gabe Vincent’s arrival affect D’Angelo Russell?

The starting lineup is still a suspense and coach Darvin Ham refuses to show his cards. For the starting guard spots, Austin Reaves is giving tough competition to both Russell and Vincent.

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If he starts, then the team will have to choose between the other two. One thing that Vincent has over Russell is defense. During the Heat’s Playoffs run last season, he was a key component on that end. He enabled the unprecedented run by taking care of scoring guards like Jalen Brunson. However, Russell’s overall scoring package makes him a quick hitter on the offensive end.

There is also a chance of both guards co-existing. Will D’Angelo Russell enjoy another 30+ minutes season and plays tough defense doing so?

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