5 Things D’Angelo Russell Can Learn From Kobe Bryant

Jan 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers forward

(22) during the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Being The King Of L.A. Isn’t Easy

Though Blake Griffin will likely be the best player in Los Angeles for at least the next five years, the best player on a contending Lakers team will always rule the city.  If Russell becomes the player we hope for him to be, he will be a superstar not only on the court, but off the court.  When the Lakers are winning, there is no better sporting venue in the country that will attract more Hollywood Stars than Staples Center.  Playing in L.A., you have to be able to take some criticism, and get used to the constant spotlight.

RELATED: 3 Things the Lakers Can Take From the Warriors & Cavaliers

Ever since Kobe entered the league, he has been at MJ status in terms of popularity amongst NBA fans, for the good and the bad.  Sure Kobe can do no wrong in the hearts of Lakers fans, but in pretty much every other city in the country, he is the enemy.  That’s just how the Lakers are.  The Lakers are up there with the Patriots among the most hated teams in America, and if you are the leader of the team, you take the most heat.  Every little thing Kobe Bryant says whether it is on twitter, or to a reporter in practice, becomes huge news.  He doesn’t tweet often, but when he does it always seems to brew up some controversy.

Being the King of L.A. also comes with some expectations.  Laker fans expect 100% dedication, and the most important thing: winning.  Dwight Howard was so hated by Laker fans simply because he did not have a winning attitude.  Many can argue that Kobe doesn’t have a winning attitude, as he comes off as selfish, but there is no doubt that winning is always the top priority for Mr. Bryant.

D’Angelo Russell is a young 19 years old, and in two years may very likely be the best player on this young Lakers team.  21 years old seems a bit young to carry the historic Lakers franchise, as Kobe didn’t have to carry that load until he was 26 years of age.  Russell has two years to learn what it takes to be the guy in L.A., and no better person to learn from than the Black Mamba.  Kobe has gone through so many ups and downs as the franchise player, starting with the rape case, all the way to blown 3-1 series lead against the Suns in 2006.  But the only way he stole the fan’s hearts back, and the only way you can in L.A., he won two more titles.

Russell is going to have to learn to take a lot of criticism as the leader of the Lakers, but all he can do is control what he can.  Focus on his game, go out and compete every night, and hopefully at some point in his career, he can let his resume do the talking, just like Kobe does:

(Vine via SBNation.com)