Lakers News: Darvin Ham Doesn’t Want D’Angelo Russell To Defer To LeBron James & Anthony Davis
D'Angelo Russell, Darvin Ham, Lakers
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The early returns on the trade that landed the Los Angeles Lakers D’Angelo Russell have been strong. In just one game with both Russell and LeBron James, the Lakers dismantled the New Orleans Pelicans 120-102 with Russell, James and Anthony Davis combining for 70 points on 25-of-43 from the field with all three being a plus-14 or better.

Russell appears to be a seamless fit alongside James and Davis, even in the small sample size. And the hope is that things will only improve as Russell grows more comfortable within Darvin Ham’s system.

Ham spoke about what he hopes to see from Russell moving forward, saying that Russell’s natural skillset is exactly what L.A. needs. “Once he gets more familiar with our movement offense and different things we want to get done in the halfcourt, just being regular ole DLo,” Ham said.

“A really good pick-and-roll player, a really good shooter, really not gonna have to force anything. Just play within the flow of everything we’re doing and just be assertive. You run into that problem with LeBron and AD on the floor sometimes where guys tend to defer, defer, defer. But we want him to be aggressive and do what he does.”

Russell is shooting a career-high 39.0% from three this season and is still averaging 6.2 assists per game despite being the odd man out with the Minnesota Timberwolves to begin the season. Russell undoubtedly is a better fit in L.A.’s scheme.

It also shouldn’t take long for Russell to get comfortable, as he’s already familiar with the Lakers franchise and should have significantly more space to work with than he did with the Timberwolves. Having former teammates in Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt should help as well.

Russell is a great point guard for Ham’s system with his ability to shoot the three, defer when necessary and score in a number of ways. James and Davis have not had a point guard with a fit as good as Russell’s during their time together in L.A.

James optimistic heading into All-Star break

While the All-Star break is always welcomed in the NBA, James wants to use the time to focus in on the stretch run and what the Lakers can accomplish in that time. He spoke about his mindset regarding the team prior to the break. “I want the guys to enjoy the break but don’t get 100% detached because we want to come back and try to keep this thing going.

“I feel really good about what we have brewing, but it’s going to take a lot of commitment from us going down the stretch so I’m looking forward to that.”

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Montrezl Harrell Won’t ‘Back Down’ From Bigger Players

Los Angeles Lakers forward Montrezl Harrell has spent some time this season tasked with defending some of the…

Lakers Executed Plan to Perfection, But Did They Miss a Bigger Opportunity?

During the NBA Draft Combine in May, Lakers’ President of Basketball Operations Earvin “Magic” Johnson was remarkably candid…

2021 NBA Draft Rumors: Lakers To Work Out Illinois Big Man Giorgi Bezhanishvili

One of the strengths in recent years of the Los Angeles Lakers front office has been their draft and scouting department…

Lakers Highlights: Anthony Davis Powers Los Angeles To Victory Over Bucks

The Los Angeles may have turned their 2022-23 season around when they earned a signature road…