The Los Angeles Lakers made a bold decision in the 2015 NBA Draft to go with D’Angelo Russell over Jahlil Okafor with the second overall pick. The franchise was both praised and criticized for the move, but the team seems confident the right decision was made with the rookie point guard showing flashes of star potential in his first season.
Although Russell has put himself and the organization in a difficult position with the recent incident involving teammate Nick Young, Kobe Bryant feels the rookie will work through it and eventually figure things out. Bryant made an appearance on ESPN LA 710’s Mason and Ireland on Wednesday and said the following about Russell, via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Kobe on D'Angelo:
"I think it was a good pick…He’s going to have to go through many ups & downs but he’ll figure it out."(via ESPN710)
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 6, 2016
Bryant also believes Russell has the attributes to be successful in the NBA. Kobe thinks D’Angelo’s ambition and desire to learn will help him along the way, via Winters:
Kobe said the important thing with D'Angelo Russell is that "he has the ambition and curiosity" to learn.
(via @ESPNLosAngeles)— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 6, 2016
Fortunately for Russell, the rookie only has about a week left before the Lakers head into the NBA off-season. Once the season is over, the 20-year-old will be able to take a step back and evaluate the choices he’s made and what changes need to be made moving forward.
Along with Russell trying to repair his reputation, the Lakers brass will have a busy off-season ahead. Los Angeles will hope for favorable results in the NBA Draft Lottery as well as some much-needed success in free agency come July.
In the meantime, the team will want to finish the season on a high note while saying goodbye to Bryant on the final stretch of his farewell tour.