A lot of the focus for the Los Angeles Lakers this season has been on the development of its young players, looking forward to the future.
It started off as a success under first-year head coach Luke Walton, as the team started off 10-10 as the young players were contributing more than initially expected.
Since then though they are just 6-24, falling to the bottom of the Western Conference standings. With the playoffs looking to be out of the question, Walton may be making some changes in his rotations to get the young players some more playing time to continue that development.
Two of those young players who may see more time on the court together is second-year point guard D’Angelo Russell and rookie center Ivica Zubac, as Walton has been impressed with how they’ve played together in practice, via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
1/2: D’Angelo Russell & Ivica Zubac got time on the floor together in practice for the first time yesterday & got a little more time today…
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 30, 2017
2/2: Luke (on Ivica & D’Angelo in same lineup at practice) said they looked “really good…2 of our better players in that [pick n roll] game"
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 30, 2017
Zubac has seen increased playing time in recent weeks and has made the most of his opportunities. He has three double-doubles in his last five games, including a career-high 16 points to go along with 10 rebounds in Thursday night’s loss to the Utah Jazz.
Russell paid his teammate some compliments at practice on Monday:
D’Angelo Russell on Ivica Zubac: “When he gets his opportunity, he’s going to be special… He’s really smart & he really works."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 30, 2017
Russell has missed the team’s last three games, all of which were losses, with a bone bruise, MCL sprain, and calf strain which he suffered in the win over the Indiana Pacers. He has been cleared to play in Tuesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets though, and Walton is confident that he will be able to suit up.
The pick and roll between Russell and Zubac is something to look out for in the next few games, and if it works to success, it should leave Laker fans feeling excited about the future in regards to these two young players.
