The Los Angeles Lakers are going with youth this season, especially in the backcourt. After drafting D'Angelo Russell in the first round, he along with second-year pro Jordan Clarkson will be battling it out to start on opening night. Kobe Bryant admits he does not know what to expect from the younger players on the roster, but so far he likes what he sees from Russell.
The point guard position has some improving to do after a lackluster showing in summer league play. However, according to Baxter Holmes of ESPN, the duo is looking strong in practice so far and earning praise from Bryant. According to the veteran, the rookie Russell is really showing momentum in training camp and the two are gaining chemistry quickly which might make him a favorite to start this year.
"Just little details about the game here and there, but he loves the game, you know?" Bryant said, via ESPN.com. "When you have a player that loves the game it's really just my responsibility to make sure he never loses sight of that. Through difficult moments and even the great moments, always just focus on the love of the game. Once you have that you'll problem solve everything. Right? Once you stay focused on that. It's my job to really keep him locked in."
There has been a lot of doubt regarding the Lakers' point guard position considering how young the duo is. The team was linked to plenty of trade rumors in the offseason including deals for Ty Lawson, Patrick Beverley along with trade moves for Ricky Rubio and Brandon Jennings. However, they seem content to move forward with Russell and Clarkson. Head coach Byron Scott told the media that he envisioned those two being part of the franchise for many years to come. Scott believes having Bryant as a mentor will only help.
"He's going to get some wisdom from one of the greatest players that ever played the game," Scott said, via ESPN.com. "Kobe, obviously during the drills, is taking him to the side and talking to him and I saw that this morning. D'Angelo is one of those guys that's a sponge. He wants to learn."
Another player looking to impress early is Julius Randle who is coming off a rookie season that never started thanks to a season-ending injury at the beginning of 2014. Randle comes in as basically a rookie having to re-learn everything now that he is healthy. Randle is not guaranteed a starting spot on the court with Brandon Bass having signed in the offseason. Scott has liked what he has seen from the second-year player so far who also struggled in summer league play. Scott admits the injury makes things tough to figure out where to put the former first-round pick.
"I know enough, but I'm still not sure," Scott said, via ESPN.com. "I'm still probably going to find out some things day to day. I've got a pretty good idea of what he can do, what he's going to be able to accomplish. But I'm sure he's probably going to show me some things that I didn't know as well."