How Does D’Angelo Russell Fit In With Los Angeles?
By Ryan Rosko
The destination has been announced where the former Buckeye will continue his basketball career.
The Los Angeles Lakers have selected The Ohio State University’s guard D’Angelo Russell with the second pick of the 2015 NBA Draft. Russell averaged 19.3 ppg, five apg, and just under six rpg in his only year in Columbus. The team is looking to a potentially quick rebuild with Russell, Kobe Bryant, Julius Randle, and any key additions they would acquire in the offseason.
How does Russell fit in with the Los Angeles Lakers?
Early On
The combo guard will be mentored by two of the best in Bryant and coach Byron Scott. With Russell’s skill set, he should see time at both point guard and shooting guard. Russell will either start at point guard for L.A., or be their sixth man, coming off of the bench.
I view Russell simply as a basketball player. He is going to make plays regardless of the position he is at, but everything I have seen of him has given me the opinion that he is more polished as a two guard.
If Russell is the team’s future at point guard, it should be expected that he takes some time with the role to grow permanently in the position. Jeremy Lin could be the temporary starter at PG.
Russell’s first year should have some success. He definitely should be on one of the rookie teams. Being one of the key building blocks on the team, Russell has the potential to average 15 ppg, 3-5 apg next season.
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After This Upcoming Season/Post Kobe Bryant Era
The team and Bryant has mentioned that next year likely will be his last year with the team. If the roster stayed similar to what it is now, with no extremely big named players added, who is going to be that guy; that player you associate with the team? Would it be too soon for Russell to take the role? I do not believe so, but it would be huge shoes to fill.
Going in years two, three, and beyond, Russell should be expected to be the primary playmaker. After his first year and as he continues to gain experience, the potential of him putting up say, 25 ppg, five to six apg, and three or so rpg should not be out of the question or underestimated.
Big Picture
Is D’Angelo Russell the next Kobe Bryant? No and it would be unfair to make such a comparison so early. Russell could be the face of the franchise down the road though, if everything works out for him.
With solid players mixed with Bryant and a few younger players, Russell looks like he is with a team that has a bright future. The Lakers may have drafted the star of the draft tonight.
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