After a shaky start, JJ Redick has expertly crafted the Los Angeles Lakers. They are in a position to win, having not lost in their last five games. A major part of the successful transformation comes with a significant change. An “egoless” D’Angelo Russell accepted a role off the bench. He has been a part of the second unit for less than 20% of his career, yet, to him, the bigger objective took precedence.

The move came about after Redick criticized his ‘competitiveness’ during a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Naturally, it opened up the evergreen trade talks as the Lakers try to navigate to a championship window. However, that’s only noise, Russell. Right now, his priority is straight. Whatever it takes to win, the former Net is willing to do.

“Just a lot of sacrifice,” is how he analyzed his updated role, being the primary bench scorer for the Purple and Gold.

The bottom line that has infected the entire Lakers camp is one urgency to win. With that in mind, the term sacrifice isn’t taken in the wrong context. Anthony Davis, an MVP candidate, highlighted heavy praise for the team’s togetherness after their dramatic win over the Spurs. “No one cares about… if they’re starting or finishing a game,” Davis professed. 

To D’Angelo Russell, sacrificing means him doing the right things for the team. “How you use that word. It’s broad and it can go a lot of ways but how do you use that correctly? That’s what I mean,” he told reporters after practice.

In that regard, his minutes have significantly decreased and so have his shot attempts. But since the move, the Los Angeles Lakers are on a five-game winning streak. Yet, rather than Russell’s benching benefitting their dynamic, it’s been the exact opposite. He has become an influential needle that has made these results possible.

A refreshing start for D’Angelo Russell

From a narrow lens, benching is usually seen as a demotion. However, in this case, it can be argued the Lakers needed a spark off the bench. To begin the season, they ranked dead last in bench scoring, generating less than 20 points per game. Since Russell’s moved to the bench, though, that has changed.

The Lakers bench has averaged 29.6 points per game in the five-game winning stretch. Additionally, it has also helped the 28-year-old technician. He is shooting 40% from three (29% as a starter) and recording the highest net differential out of all the players – +11.6 to be specific. Likewise, the entire camp is impressed.

“What allowed it to work was the sacrifices that D’Lo and Cam have continued to make, and obviously the biggest sacrifice is D’Lo going to the bench,” LeBron James said after their first win against the Philadelphia 76ers. 

The move gave way for Cam Reddish, a defensive stalwart who was barely part of the rotation to prevail in the role, as a ball hawk. His introduction to the starting lineup helped improve the Lakers’ defensive woes. Their defensive rating bettered to 113.8 since the switch. JJ Redick has appreciated both of their sacrifices.

Moreover, even the top brass now feel confident in D’Angelo Russell’s capabilities in his newly accepted role. According to Anthony Irvin, “In talking to sources close to the Lakers, Russell playing well in this role might make them a little more reluctant to part with him, as bench unit seriously struggled with Gabe Vincent at the helm,”.

Internally, the Lakers feel great about Russell’s commitment and desire to be impactful in winning. And it’s beginning to take shape with immediate effect. If Russell can remain consistent, do you think the Lakers should part ways with him? Let us know your views in the comments below.