Los Angeles Lakers rookie D’Angelo Russell has had as much of a roller coaster ride in his first season as a player can have. He has been benched and returned to the starting lineup, openly criticized by his coach, but also had some of the team’s best individual performances this year.
Unfortunately, the Lakers have been one of the worst teams in the league, sporting a Western Conference-worst 12-51 record. This could bring spirits down, but veteran Nick Young has some advice for the promising rookie.
According to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters, Young implored the rookie to stick with what he’s doing and reminded him that he is the future of this team:
Nick Young's advice to D'Angelo: “Just stay w/ it. Things will always get better. He’s the future, so you’ve got to remember that."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 5, 2016
Young also believes that Russell should be allowed to celebrate as he is simply enjoying the game he is playing via Winters:
Young on D.A: “Don’t harp on him being 20, celebrating. You never want to shut somebody down when they're enjoying the game of basketball."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 5, 2016
Young being in favor of Russell’s celebrations should come as no surprise as Young has been known to partake in some of his own. Nonetheless, it is good to see the veterans continue to support and encourage the young players on this roster. Young, Roy Hibbert, Lou Williams, and Kobe Bryant have all consistently praised the young players and that shows great leadership.
After a run of excellent outings, Russell struggled mightily in the Lakers loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Despite that, it is important that he doesn’t lose focus or confidence and the veterans staying in his ear will help that cause.
