D'Angelo Russell has spent the past year being named in trade rumors. It's an experience that would weigh on anyone, as Russell's return to the Los Angeles Lakers has been underscored by a general sense of impatience as he searches for ways to come into his own as a postseason player.
Ahead of the 2024-25 season, Lakers head coach JJ Redick is addressing the rumors head-on with a different tone than what Russell has previously experienced.
Russell went through a public falling out with previous head coach Darvin Ham. Starting with the way his benching was handled during the 2023 Western Conference Finals and continuing with a second move to the bench in 2023-24 that caused a strain in the locker room, Ham and Russell were perpetually at odds.
In a preseason press conference, Redick spoke with a far more positive tone when discussing Russell, revealing that he's the player with whom he's been most consistently in contact.
"Throughout the summer, he was probably the guy that I talked ot the most of anyone on the roster. We had a number of conversations during free agency and throughout July and August. He's going to have a major role on this team. I think the thing that D-Lo and I have talked about a lot is: Let's put you in a position to have a career year. His mindset, his energy, the talk that he's brought, the leadership that he's brought when he's been in the building has been excellent. So I'm thrilled, thrilled to be coachign D-Lo this season."
From one Lakers head coach being at odds with Russell to another calling him a leader, it's a remarkable example of a career turnaround.
JJ Redick heralds D'Angelo Russell as leader, hopes for career year
It's hardly hyperbolic to say that Russell is one of the most skilled and productive point guards in the NBA. He's a dynamic shot creator with one of the most prolific and efficient jump shots in the NBA, as well as a strong playmaker and quality finisher at the rim.
That skill set projects to fit well within Redick's offensive system, which projects to highlight three-point shooting and multiple entry points to the paint.
Russell's production certainly supports his ability to provide that level of value. In 2023-24, he averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 3.0 three-point field goals made on .456/.415/.828 shooting.
In the process, Russell became the fourth player in NBA history to average at least 18.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.0 three-point field goals made on 40.0 percent shooting or better from beyond the arc.
Rather than focusing on trading Russell, Redick is hoping to help his All-Star point guard produce the best season of his NBA career. Statistically, Russell has reached 23.1 points and 7.1 assists per game, which sets quite a standard for a career year.
Beyond the numbers, a career year from Russell would mean finding a player who can alleviate the scoring and playmaking burden of a 40-year-old LeBron James.
The postseason would still be the question mark hanging over Russell's head, but the Lakers have to get there for it to become a factor. Having gone through the Play-In Tournament each of the past two seasons, it's understandable for Los Angeles to want a player whose career year would improve their odds of making it without the need for additional games played.
With a head coach who completely supports him and an expiring contract that opens the door for an opportunity to redefine his reputation, Russell is approaching the biggest season of his career.