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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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Mar 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) reacts in the second half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Staples Center. The Lakers won 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) reacts in the second half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Staples Center. The Lakers won 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Worst-Case Scenario

Still, the Lakers are teeming with inexperienced youth and as last season showed, the rebuilding process can often times be an uphill battle. Despite his immense potential, D’Angelo Russell is largely unproven and if he doesn’t show progress with an upgraded coaching staff and retooled roster, doubts about his NBA viability will certainly begin to creep in.

In the worst-case scenario, Russell could stagnate or even regress in his sophomore season, continuing to struggle with his shooting touch while remaining unable to keep up with top-flight guards on the defensive end.

Despite his length and intangibles, Russell has middling athleticism and average NBA speed. that could seriously limit his upside as a go-to playmaker, regardless of offensive system. Even with flowing player spacing and added talent, his impact in the league will first and foremost be predicated on his decision-making and basketball headiness, as he’ll have to use his court vision and height to excel against current superstars.

Next: Best and Worst-Case Scenarios for Julius Randle Next Season

This is quite the task for a 20-year-old kid, but we’ve been quick to give him the benefit of the doubt during and will likely give him a clean slate for the 2016 season. Yet, if a major overhaul in coaching philosophy can’t facilitate his growth, blame is going shift solely onto Russell himself. At that point, Lakers management may start questioning his role in the team’s long term plans.

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