D’Angelo Russell
The Lakers used the second overall pick on young point guard D’Angelo Russell this year, and in recent games he has shown exactly why. With a smooth jumper and handles, Russell is already a dangerous presence on the perimeter. However, it will be important for the lanky guard to become more aggressive, and attack the rim with more regularity in the future.
Although he has played fairly conservatively so far, Russell should be allowed to run the offense with more freedom. A passing savant in college, Russell has been mostly relegated to making rudimentary reads and passes in the NBA. It would definitely be beneficial for him to attempt to make more advanced plays and passes, and could help the Lakers in the long-term.
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Defensively, Russell does not possess the athleticism of the other young Lakers, but his superb length for a guard should allow him to become a disruptive presence. Once he learns to use that length to stifle smaller guards, he could actually be a positive defender for the Lakers.
Brown and Co.
For Anthony Brown, the most important improvement seems to be consistently hitting the three-ball, which should earn him playing time on this year’s team. Larry Nance Jr. has already shown impressive improvement this season, but continuing to expand his range will only make him more valuable. Tarik Black must improve his offensive repertoire, with the caveat that he should be receiving minutes regardless.
Next: Russell Over Okafor Was the Right Choice
The Lakers future is as bright as they choose to make it, but it will require improvement at every level of the organization. Both the front office and coaching staff must choose to favor youth, and the young players must respond with hard work and improved play. For the Lakers to return to relevance, the young players must seize the opportunity to resurrect a once-great franchise.