Lakers Embracing Late Blooming Stars
By Eric Yee
D’Angelo Russell
After drafting Russell No. 2 overall, the Lakers conceded he may not be as NBA ready as his peer Jahlil Okafor, but he would prove to be a better long-term investment.
Although fans have yet to witness any on court action since Russell’s underwhelming Summer League performance, the general consensus concerning the two seems to agree with the Lakers reasoning. Okafor is the favorite to win the 2015-16 Rookie of the Year on a struggling Philadelphia 76ers squad, but Russell will be an All-Star for years to come.
More from Lakers News
- 3 most underrated players currently on the Los Angeles Lakers roster
- 2 Lakers who would benefit the most from a Kyrie Irving trade
- Victor Oladipo’s Russell Westbrook comments are terrible sign for Lakers
- 3 Most likely positions the Lakers will use for the last roster spot
- Kings signing castoffs from Lakers’ nightmare seasons is strange
Coming into the league, Russell drew comparisons to Harden even though he more closely resembled Jason Kidd and Steve Nash on the surface. Although Harden showed signs of stardom playing in Westbrook and Durant’s shadow, it was not until he was traded to Houston he began to realize his full potential, hence Harden’s late bloomer status.
The same could be true for Russell. At Ohio State, Russell was good, but it was not until late in the season that scouts began to take notice.
Could Los Angeles be the place where Russell embraces his shot at stardom?
With that in mind, if Russell represents Harden, than Clarkson represents Westbrook, and Randle-Ibaka. The one missing piece for the Lakers is the leader.
Durant is a free agent next season, and although rumors show the Lakers have a legitimate shot at signing him, this young pack of late bloomers must prove they’re worthy of having a leader the likes of “KD” in order for him to come aboard.
The team’s first chance to do so is about a month away on Oct. 28 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Next: Kobe Bryant Ready for Training Camp
More from Lake Show Life
- 3 most underrated players currently on the Los Angeles Lakers roster
- 2 Lakers who would benefit the most from a Kyrie Irving trade
- Victor Oladipo’s Russell Westbrook comments are terrible sign for Lakers
- 4 Free agent fits for the Lakers while they wait on Kyrie Irving
- 3 Most likely positions the Lakers will use for the last roster spot