“For me to see how JJ is trying to bring the playcalls and just level of IQ into each practice and each film session, to see how he’s prioritizing that … It’s something I look forward to.” As the regular season came closer, D’Angelo Russell joined the group of Lakers players who publicly endorsed the new mind in the locker room. Carrying no prior coaching experience until joining the Lakers, JJ Redick had to do his part in building confidence. Not only among his critics but also his players. In regards to D’Lo, however, some might believe that his recent numbers may not bode well for him because of the manner in which they are restricting his minutes.

However, the hoopster has now come out to ensure that he is perfectly all right with the changes. Earlier today, the 28-year-old Laker discussed his approach for the current season during an interview on ‘The Backyard Podcast.’ Highlighting the previous season, he stated, “There could be a new coach at any point of the season. You can get traded at any point of the season. All these things go into it. So like going into it, I was just like ‘I’m going out with a bang’. I’m shooting all my shots. I’m doing how I want to do it.”

“Year 10- not that. It’s more or less like, ‘Let’s do it the right way. If you’re going out, you’re going to go out the right way,’ you know what I mean.” For the vet, it’s not about scoring more but scoring right. The Lakers need this mindset as they attempt to work out all the quirks.

“It’s a commitment. I think everybody’s committed to it and right now you just see the obviously, it’s the storm, you know,” said D’Lo. “So, weather and the storm. We had some losses that we should have won and those matter, but we’re in a figuring-it-out process too.”

Back in October, LeBron James had discussed the upcoming season, and JJ Redick becoming HC: “I don’t have any expectations. And that’s unfair to put any expectations on us right now. The only thing that we can count on each other is how we come to practice and come to work every day.” JJ is new blood in the coaching world, and the eyes are on him to determine how far he can take the Lakers.

So far, the franchise holds a 7-4 win record, which works well for the 40-year-old. However, a report by Fadeaway World revealed that the Lakers are performing slightly worse than under Darvin Ham the previous season. Their offensive rating has slightly dropped to 114.5. The defensive rating saw a jump to 118.6, but the three-point success rate is at 34.4%. However, as Russell highlighted, they’re in the figuring-out process. Redick holds the advantage of having the team committed to following the strategies he is putting out.

D’Angelo Russell has still not avoided the trade rumors, though. Amid a tight off-season a few months ago, it was often reported that the Lakers were in discussions to ship D’Lo. Playing on a 2-year, $36 million contract, the 2019 All-Star ended up accepting his player option for this season instead. However, it would be hard for them to give him a contract extension, with the LA team’s luxury tax and apron limits. Russell also didn’t make a good case for why he deserved to stay, thanks to his performance in the 2024 playoffs against the Nuggets. Whether avoiding a trade is the reason or not, he personally commits to ‘weather the storm’ with JJ Redick.

“Egoless” D’Angelo Russell “just” wants to win

The recent matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers saw a surprise twist. JJ Redick benched D’Angelo Russell from his starting role! However, the decision worked out well for the team. Coming as a second-unit player, D’Lo made 18 points to add to the scoring effort. It helped the LA side end with a 116-106 score. When discussing the change in his role, however, Russell revealed being fine with it.

“As far as taking all of this personal and giving y’all something, I don’t really have anything,” said the 28-year-old point guard. “My approach has been to be professional from day one. And I’m committed to it through not playing, through coming off the bench, through whatever it may be. I’m egoless. So I just want to win.”

What are your thoughts on D’Angelo Russell displaying this level of commitment to JJ Redick and his fresh ideas? Will it work well for the LA Lakers in the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.