The Los Angeles Lakers have been involved in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro despite a lack of presence on the Team USA roster. Marcelo Huertas is representing his home country of Brazil and recently acquired Jose Calderon is playing for the Spanish National Team.
D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram, and Julius Randle all participated in training camp for Team USA as members of the Select Team, but they stayed home while their other two teammates represented their respective countries. Huertas and Brazil upset Calderon and Spain 66-65 on Tuesday, and Russell posted a video of himself cheering on his teammate on his Twitter account:
https://twitter.com/Dloading/status/763090288575287296
Russell has made an effort this summer to become the leader of the Lakers, knowing there is a void to be filled now with Kobe Bryant retired. The second-year guard from Ohio State was the clear leader of the Lakers’ Summer League squad and showed flashes of greatness.
Huertas brought his veteran leadership to the Brazilian National Team as they upset Spain with their second straight loss. The Catalyst scored 11 points and dished out seven assists in the win against his teammate.