Lakers News: Larry Nance Jr. Has High Praise For D’Angelo Russell

USATSI_8674006_154224518_lowres

Heading into the 2015-16 NBA season, all the attention for the Los Angeles Lakers will be on Kobe Bryant’s 20th season and the young core. With the first preseason game in Hawaii not until October 4, Larry Nance Jr. took some time to discuss numerous topics in a recent interview with Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders.

What will D’Angelo Russell make this season? Find out here!

Along with sharing his first impression after being selected with the 27th overall pick, Nance Jr. had high praise for Russell, who is only 19 years old:

“D’Angelo is a great kid,” Nance said. “I mean, it’s crazy because he’s 19 years old! I’m coming into the league with the mindset of like, ‘Alright, after four years of college, I’m ready and I can do this.’ He’s coming into the league like, ‘Alright, after one year I decided I can do it.’ He’s great.

“He’s fun-loving, and loves to just do things. It doesn’t matter what it is. He’ll go to the mall, go to the golf range, go play mini golf. Whatever it may be, he is always moving, always doing stuff. So I’m really enjoying trying to keep up with him. He’s just so eager to see everything and I’m tagging along.”

Although Russell averaged 11.8 points and 5.2 rebounds at the Las Vegas Summer League, he struggled with his shooting (37.7 percent) and turnovers (5.2). He acknowledged his ‘risk-taking’ style led to those turnovers, but has since talked with numerous Lakers legends including Kobe, Jerry West and James Worthy.

Heading into his rookie season, there are high hopes for Russell, who is expected to eventually carry the storied franchise after Kobe retires. While the playoffs are one of the team’s goals, the development of the young core over the course of the season will be crucial in attracting free agents.

[divide]


Please enable Javascript to watch this video

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Danny Green Details Importance Of Having Championship Experience

In the immediate aftermath of Kawhi Leonard choosing to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, his former teammate Danny…

Kobe Bryant On Jeremy Lin: ‘He Just Needs To Relax’

Despite having an excellent opportunity this season, Jeremy Lin has struggled with…

NBA Power Rankings Week 11: A Tight Squeeze At The Top, Lakers Falter Again

30. Washington Wizards (4-28, Last Week: 29): The Wizards have dropped their…

Lakers Coach Mike Brown Content with Play of Matt Barnes and Devin Ebanks

Coming into this first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, two players…