The Los Angeles Lakers did an outstanding job of revamping the roster at the NBA trade deadline.
But, as it usually happens when someone plays with LeBron James, several players have had to make adjustments to their roles and game.
One of those is D’Angelo Russell.
Russell now has more of an off-the-ball role rather than being the primary creator and facilitator, which is why he doesn’t see himself as the Lakers’ point guard right now.
When asked about it, Russell corrected the media person and said that he’s a basketball player, not a PG for the Lakers:
“I’m a basketball player, you can’t keep saying point guard. … Basketball player with this team, basketball player with this team, not really a point guard role.”
– D’Angelo Russell 😳
(Via @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/h863lR31KX
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) April 20, 2023
Of course, some fans thought these comments meant he wasn’t happy or satisfied with his current role, but he was simply stating a fact.
Result of playing with Bron. Only player who remained himself alongside lebron is Kyrie.
— Rare 🚶🏿♂️ (@unfollowkjen) April 20, 2023
He’s right tho, Lebron needs to give up point guard duties, it’s painfully obvious he’s killing the rhythm of the offense.. he’s so much better as an off ball cutter now, he shouldn’t be holding the ball for 20 seconds of the shot clock, lakers have capable guards
— Facts on Facts (@factsonfactspod) April 20, 2023
Bron had 3 assists today and this man is saying this
— PJ (@icebergsli6) April 20, 2023
They was telling me they’d rather have dlo over kyrie last month 😂
— 優木せつ菜 🇦🇷 (@nijigasakilove) April 20, 2023
Yeahhhh…have fun in China my boy ✌🏾✈️🇨🇳 pic.twitter.com/IBeoAUrAoN
— Jay 🎋💰🇯🇲 (@TheRealestJayT) April 20, 2023
Russell doesn’t take the ball up the court often, nor does he operate in the pick-and-roll or as the team’s primary ball-handler and that’s perfectly fine.
He’s still been a very positive producer for Darvin Ham’s team and a seamless fit for the roster’s needs, and his impact cannot be denied.
Any team with LeBron James will most likely use him as the primary playmaker, and it would be a mistake to game-plan differently.
James is one of the most intelligent players of all time, not to mention an elite passer; he’s an extension of the coach on the hardwood.
Russell has thrived in his new role, and while he might not put up the same All-Star caliber numbers he put in Brooklyn, he’s giving his team just what they needed from him.
NEXT:
Fans React To What Dillon Brooks Had To Say About LeBron James
