Even though he has been back for over a week now, Los Angeles Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell has still been bothered some by his knee, and he even missed Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Since then Russell has been feeling better however, and after a good practice on Monday, Russell said he wasn’t even thinking about his knee during Tuesday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets, according to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell:
Russell had a good practice followed by what Walton said was a solid game; Russell said he wasn’t thinking about his knee. Feels fine.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 21, 2016
Russell enjoyed a solid night in Charlotte with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. He also had only two turnovers which has been one of his biggest issues throughout his young career. Unfortunately, he and the Lakers couldn’t come away with a victory as they lost a tough game, 117-113, to the Hornets.
Russell was also conspicuously absent from much of the closing moments of the game as many would’ve expected to see the guard in the game with the Lakers offense struggling down the stretch, particularly with their ball movement.
Nonetheless, Russell seems to be getting back in the flow of things, and that is most important for this Lakers teams. The offense usually flows more when Russell is in the game and his vision has been on full display the last couple of games as he has made some excellent passes and his assist numbers could be even higher if it weren’t for some missed shots.
All in all, Russell not having to worry about his knee is better for his game and the Lakers as a whole. He is already back in rhythm, and it seems like only a matter of time before he takes another step in his development.
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