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Lakers: D’Angelo Russell’s Rookie Year Compared to 5 Other Guards

By Cody Williams

Jan 7, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) calls out a play during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-115. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) calls out a play during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-115. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) dribbles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Cavaliers defeat the Mavericks 110-107 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) dribbles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Cavaliers defeat the Mavericks 110-107 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

D’Angelo Russell vs. Kyrie Irving

Irving’s Per-36 Minutes Averages: 21.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 3.7 turnovers, 46.9 FG%, 39.9 3P%

Kyrie Irving is the most interesting comparison for Russell on this list for a couple of reasons. For one, Irving is the only player we’ll be looking at who also entered the league at just 19 years old. Also worth noting is the fact that Byron Scott was the head coach for both Kyrie and D’Angelo in their rookie seasons (though obviously with different teams).

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Looking at the production, Irving had much more free reign over the lowly Cavs in his rookie season that Russell does with the Lakers. Irving played only 51 games on the season due to injuries during the lockout-shortened season, but he averaged 3.5 more minutes per game than Russell and started all 51 of his appearances.

Even more important is Kyrie’s usage as he was the focal-point of the Cavs offense even as a rookie. Where Russell has a usage rate of 23.6 this season for the Lakers, Irving had an absurd 28.7 percent usage rate under Scott in Cleveland.

Though the two players are both capable scoring guards, they aren’t really similar in terms of style and build. When compared to one another, though, it’s honestly just infuriating for Lakers fans. Scott had total faith in Irving as 19-year-old on a bad team to run the show while he refuses to consistently give Russell the same opportunities. Lets’ move on before we get anymore frustrated about that.

Next: DAR vs CP3

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