Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Featured > Darvin Ham: Lakers Need D’Angelo Russell Playing At High Level To Be Successful
FeaturedLakers News

Darvin Ham: Lakers Need D’Angelo Russell Playing At High Level To Be Successful

Matthew Valento
Published: 03/06/2024
4 Min Read
D'Angelo Russell, Darvin Ham, Lakers
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

Ever since a rocky December, D’Angelo Russell is in a great groove offensively for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the perception of Russell is that he cannot perform against the upper-echelon teams in the league.

As L.A. ramps up for a playoff push and an attempt to get out of the Play-In Tournament, Russell is going to be a key contributor in making that top-six goal happen. Building and sustaining that confidence for the 27-year-old is going to be vital to accompany LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the scoring department.

In Monday’s win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell hit three straight 3-pointers in the beginning of the fourth quarter to keep the Thunder at bay.

Head coach Darvin Ham spoke on how much he enjoys seeing Russell having fun on the floor, but also his importance to the team’s success moving forward.

“I just knew, he has those DLo moments where he can throw it up any kind of way and it’s gonna find its way in the hoop,” Ham said. “It’s great to see him out there having fun, his teammates cheering him on and encouraging him, him being decisive and aggressive. DLo is uber talented and we need him. We need him to play at that level for us to have that ultimate success. He’s doing a great job. He’s doing a little bit of everything.

“He’s being aggressive scoring when he sees opportunities, he’s setting his teammates up and he’s competing on the defensive side of the ball. He competed his butt off tonight. So it’s great to see him go out there and do well and be in a great rhythm.”

Amid all the trade rumors and uncertainty leading up to the Feb. 8 deadline, it is great to see the former Ohio State product have the continued support of his teammates and coach. Having that support system will be huge as the Lakers progress through this tough stretch.

In Russell’s last 10 games, he is averaging 20.5 points, 6.4 assists and 1.1 steals on 47.7% from the field and 41.5% 3-point range. Wednesday is another monumental game against the Sacramento Kings as securing a win and another solid Russell performance could go a long way.

D’Angelo Russell tries to make up for lack of athleticism with work ethic

The consistent theme for James-led teams is to surround him with shooters and Russell fits that mold. However, he is more than that as he is crafty with the ball in his hands. While he is not the most athletic guard, Russell recently stated that he tries to make up for that with his work ethic.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:D'Angelo RussellDarvin HamLos Angeles Lakers
ByMatthew Valento
Follow:
Matthew Valento graduated from Boise State University with a major in integrated media and strategic communications and a minor in journalism. He grew up in Santa Clarita, California and played basketball at Saugus High School. Along with writing for LakersNation.com, Matthew also hosts a basketball podcast called, "The Basketball Maestros." Contact: MattV@MediumLargeLA.com Twitter: @matthewvalento Instagram: matthew.valento
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?