Nov 11, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward
(30) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic forward
(12) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
3. D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle
For all of the warranted apprehension regarding the Lakers coming into the 2015-16 season, the one thing that gave Lakers fans hope was the addition of two key pieces to build a core for the future in rookie D’Angelo Russell (selected with the No. 2- overall pick in 2015) and second-year forward Julius Randle (taken in the lottery in 2014, but broke his leg in his first game last season). Through the struggles, that notion seems to have gotten buried.
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Russell and Randle seem to be scrutinized almost more than anyone on the Lakers not named Kobe Bryant. The two young players are deconstructed on every possession and every game and then subsequently criticized for whatever they did or didn’t do. It’s becoming a bit absurd at this point and fans need to take a step back and just be thankful that they have two incredibly talented young players that can grow in the organization as they rebuild.
If just saying to give thanks for these guys isn’t enough, remember that Russell is merely 19 years old and Randle is just a year older at age 20. These players still have a ton of NBA life ahead of them and are just now getting their feet wet. Before rushing to judgment on a game-by-game basis, be thankful that this kind of talent is in Los Angeles and think about what it could mean if they develop into the stars they have the potential to be.
Next: No. 2 It Could Always Be Worse