The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to build off of last season’s Western Conference Finals appearance and one of the most important players on the roster is someone who struggled mightily in that playoff series against the Denver Nuggets.
D’Angelo Russell, who re-signed with the team this offseason, could really make or break this Lakers’ season. Whether it be with his play on the court or the potential trades that he opens up down the line, Russell is the main x-factor for LA.
Russell is doing all he can to stay in LA and make sure that he has an impact on the team, not on the trade market. Fans have seen a brand-new Russell during the preseason that has committed to defense. Russell is saying all the right things and fans are stoked about what his potential is this season.
When speaking to the media on Sunday, Russell gave out a very specific player comparison that should have fans buzzing. With his new commitment to defense, the former all-star point guard is trying to be like Boston Celtics guard Derrick White.
D’Angelo Russell said he’s been trying to play like Derrick White pic.twitter.com/ExrvRn5RvA
— Jack Simone (@JackSimoneNBA) October 16, 2023
If D’Angelo Russell becomes Derrick White then the Lakers are in a great position
White may not be an all-star or even be a household name outside of diehard NBA fans but at the end of the day, he is a productive player. White is exactly the kind of two-way player that contending teams try so hard to add and he is an extremely important member of the Celtics.
Russell already has a head start in some areas over White as well. There is no doubt that Russell is more gifted offensively than White, he just sometimes tends to get in his own way with the offensive decisions he makes. If he commits to taking more of a back-seat role on offense, with all of his talent, then he can be even more dangerous.
The biggest disparity between the two is on defense as White is one of the best perimeter defenders in the sport. Russell may not ever reach that level of defending but just to buy into that philosophy is huge.
If Russell just becomes an average defender then the Lakers have something really special brewing. It would be impossible to find a team in the league that can match the kind of offensive and defensive looks that the Lakers can offer if Russell commits to this level of play.
For most of his career thus far, Russell has seemed concerned with being the biggest star on the team and has often tried to play hero ball too frequently. Taking a step back and realizing that he just needs to be Derrick White might be the best thing to happen to his career and to the 2023-24 Lakers.