After the Los Angeles Lakers drafted D’Angelo Russell with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, it was unclear what the team’s plans were in terms of who would be starting in the backcourt next season. There has been some clarity since June about the team’s intentions, but no promises have been made with training camp around the corner.
— What will D’Angelo Russell make this season? Find out here! —
In an appearance on ESPN 710 Los Angeles’ Thompson & Trudell on Wednesday, Russell let it be known that he hasn’t been told whether he’ll be the starting point guard next season:
D’Angelo (on ESPN710) says has not been told he has the starting PG spot, "Whatever decision coach makes, I know it’ll be the right one.”
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) August 26, 2015
The consensus as of right now seems to be that Russell will get the nod to be the starting floor general to begin the 2015-16 NBA season. Head coach Byron Scott has alluded to Russell and Jordan Clarkson being the starters in the backcourt while superstar Kobe Bryant shifts to small forward.
With about two months to go before the start of the season on Oct. 28, a lot can happen between now and tipoff against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Staples Center. Russell could very well be the team’s starter at point guard or shooting guard and may even end up coming off the bench to get his rookie campaign underway.
There’s a lot to be determined for the Lakers as Coach Scott and company evaluate the talent on the squad moving forward. Russell definitely has an edge on the competition to secure a starting role, but his fate will be determined after training camp and the NBA preseason throughout October.
[divide]