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Lakers: Best and Worst-Case Scenarios for D’Angelo Russell’s Sophomore Season

By Jeremy Rucker

Dec 27, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Los Angeles 112-96. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Los Angeles 112-96. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) moves to the basket against Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) moves to the basket against Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Best-Case Scenario

Personal development aside, Russell should improve next season by virtue of coaching change alone. With Luke Walton poised to revamp an anemic Lakers’ offense, the young point guard will figure to be a focal point in an offense derived from guard-heavy play.

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In the best-case scenario, Walton would return to Los Angeles with the same streak of creativity that allowed Steve Kerr to maximize Golden State’s young backcourt. For Russell, that could mean tapping into his legitimate superstar potential and breaking out in a big way as the floor general of the Purple and Gold’s re-inspired offense.

Considering how Steph Curry ascended to superstardom in a single season under Kerr’s offense, it’s only natural to have real optimism about Russell’s potential in a modern NBA offense. His flashes of brilliance last season should tantalize the imagination of fans everywhere.

He’s already showed improvement, upping his scoring average last season from 10.7 points per game in November to an impressive 15.9 points by March. With another young prospect likely headed to Los Angeles in this year’s draft and plenty of cap space, the Lakers could feasibly snag a top-tier player through free agency or trade during the offseason.

Paired with legitimate NBA talent and solid coaching, Russell would likely boost his game to the next level.

Next: Worst-Case Scenario

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