Throughout the 2015-16 NBA season, Los Angeles Lakers rookie D’Angelo Russell has had a strange and complicated relationship with head coach Byron Scott. Tension has been brewing between player and coach since Scott decided Russell should come off the bench rather than be a starter for the Lakers.
Russell and Scott appear to be using the media to communicate as of late with both of them taking subtle jabs at one another after every game and practice session. Scott made another comment about his young point guard following Wednesday’s practice saying the following about what Russell needs to change to reach his potential via Bill Oram of the Orange County Register:
Byron Scott said if D'Angelo Russell focuses on "running the show" and not turning ball over "his game will just take off to another level.”
— Bill Oram (@billoram) February 3, 2016
After a subtle shot at Russell, Scott did acknowledge that the rookie guard is heading in the right path. Scott believes Russell is starting to get with the program on a nightly basis, via Oram:
Scott said Russell is "starting to come along and understand his role and what he needs to do on a night to night basis for us."
— Bill Oram (@billoram) February 3, 2016
With a record of 10-41, the Lakers primary focus moving forward is developing the team’s young players while also continuing Kobe Bryant’s farewell tour. Scott and company know making the playoffs is no longer possible with the team headed for a third consecutive losing season.
Although the Lakers will miss the postseason for a third straight year, the future may be bright in Los Angeles with Russell leading the way. Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr., and Russell could be the core that helps turn this team around as long as the development process goes as it should.
After pulling off a win over the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night at the Staples Center, the Lakers will embark on a four-game road trip which will take the team into the All-Star break. Scott’s squad will take on the New Orleans on Thursday night in the first of four games on the road.
