Despite their sixth loss on this road trip, this one to the San Antonio Spurs, the progress of rookie D’Angelo Russell has been the biggest recent story, and that growth has not been lost on head coach Byron Scott.
Russell had another career night in San Antonio, totaling 24 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals in a team-leading 36 minutes.
After the game, Scott rated Russell’s progress to this point in the season, and had a favorable rating according to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News:
Byron gave Russell a 7 out of 10 on his progress thus far. Byron said two or three weeks ago it was a 5
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) December 12, 2015
For his part, Russell believes his play will continue to improve with more opportunity, which he says will come as he earns the trust of Scott according to Medina:
So far, Russell has always been honest. Russell: "Once I get that trust with my coach, I know I’ll have that opportunity more and more."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) December 12, 2015
Russell has never lacked confidence and that belief in himself has helped him stay positive despite some early season struggles. Being moved to the bench was a tough blow, but he has responded well and is now right back in the starting lineup, though that is due to the injury to Jordan Clarkson (ankle).
If Russell continues to grow at this rate, Lakers fans will be able to see why he was drafted second overall and the future of the team will look much brighter. It will also serve to further grow Scott’s resume of working with great young point guards.