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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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December 25, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Christmas at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 25, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Christmas at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

D’Angelo Russell vs. Chris Paul

Paul’s Per-36 Minutes Averages: 16.1 points, 7.8 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 2.2 steals, 2.3 turnovers, 43 FG%, 28.2 3P%

Yet another player who is not much of a comparison in terms of size or style but interesting to look at in terms of prowess and the fact that Byron Scott was his head coach as a rookie is Chris Paul. Paul and Scott were together with the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets in the 2005-06 season, but the situation was far different than the one with the Lakers right now.

While CP3 and Russell have the same points-per-36 minutes averages in their respective rookie campaigns, the number that jumps out is the assist numbers where Paul has the edge by 3.4 per 36 minutes. Much like with Irving, though, that number being where it is for Paul should be infuriating for Lakers fans because of the reason that CP3 was able to have so much success as a facilitator.

When Russell has been on the floor, he’s been in a lose-lose situation for the most part. He’s either been asked to run pick-and-rolls with players like Roy Hibbert or others who are less effective than the likes of Julius Randle or Tarik Black or such situations or he’s been asked to work with isolation-happy perimeter players like Lou Williams and Nick Young who stop the ball and don’t allow Russell the full opportunity to facilitate.

That stands in stark contrast to Paul with the Hornets under Byron where CP3 and David West worked tirelessly in the pick-and-roll as the team’s two best offensive weapons. Scott put the rookie version of Paul in the best opportunity to succeed, which makes it all the more befuddling as to why he handles Russell in the manner that he does on this current Lakers team—especially given the 19-year-old’s passing acumen.

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