Claiming to Be a “Liability”, D’Angelo Russell Draws “Inspiration” From Jayson Tatum’s 29YO Teammate: “Does Not Get a Lot of Credit”

The Los Angeles Lakers had a pretty disappointing end to their campaign last season. They had a terrible start with a 0-5 loss, a first for LeBron James since his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Although the team was able to pick themselves up later, it was still riddled with inconsistent play throughout the season. 

During the playoffs, the Lakers were swept by the eventual NBA champion Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals in 4 straight games. It isn’t a stretch to say that it was a disaster. This season however, they are looking to get a strong start. And it seems like someone’s more than ready to contribute. 

D’Angelo Russell vows to improve 

The Lakers faced the Sacramento Kings in a preseason game a few days prior. And D’Angelo Russell played extremely well in the 109-101 win. He scored 21 points and converted eight of his 12 shot attempts from the field. Additionally, point guard accumulated eight assists, one steal and one block. 

Later, he spoke to the reporter where he admitted that during the previous year, he did not play defense well. Talking about the new season, he assured, “So try to be a reason to eliminate that and 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.”

The 27 year old also acknowledged the defense of Celtics guard Derrick White was something he would like to emulate.

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“I want to be Derrick White,” he added. “He doesn’t get a lot of credit for what he does. Makes all the winning plays. That’s what I want to be.” 

Lakers’ hope for the new season

Russell was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. Over the course of nine seasons, he played with Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves. In February of 2023, he returned to the team that first drafted him. 

The point guard averaged 17.4 points, 6.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game in 17 appearances with the storied Lakers franchise during the 2022-23 regular season. And he knocked down 41.4 percent of his 3-point attempts with Los Angeles. 

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If Russell manages to replicate his solid defensive performance from the preseason games, throughout the 2023-24 regular season, the Lakers might have a better chance at the title. What do you think? Let us know down below.