Lakers: D’Angelo Russell Voices Support for New Coaching Staff
By Eric Yee
D’Angelo Russell is already getting off to a better start with his new coaches than when playing under Byron Scott
Despite being the second overall pick and playing on a team with no other better option at the point guard position, Byron Scott and the Lakers still somehow found a way to sit D’Angelo Russell on the bench to start and finish games.
Recognizing this, although waiting a full season before making any moves, the team’s decision to hire Luke Walton as Scott’s predecessor seems to signal a shift in mindset that could end up with Russell being the focal point of this team.
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Kobe Bryant may have said it best in a recent interview with Mike Bresnahan and Time Warner Cable, praising Luke Walton, basically saying that the ball will move and it will move with a purpose.
Just quickly taking a look at the Golden State Warriors’ offense last season, it is easy to tell that next season will be much different than the Byron Scott era, and the players already seem to be fully aware of that.
Upon hiring Walton, despite not actually throwing their former coach under the bus, it was apparent that each member of the Purple and Gold was excited by opportunity of a “fresh start” under Walton. D’Angelo Russell was one of those leading the charge — though Jordan Clarkson admitted to running around his house when he found out who the team hired — and continues to do so to this day.
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While it’s unclear what exactly the coaching staff did to warrant a Tweet of “This Laker coaching staff is something special. Man I’m excited #LakerNation,” the message alone should have fans desperate for the start of next season, I know I am.