With the No.2 pick in the NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers took the risk on D'Angelo Russell. With the issues at the point guard position last year, the Lakers need help and Russell was the favored pick. After having a strong start in the preseason and getting the starting nod, Russell has fallen off getting benched in several games. Will this force lineup changes for the Lakers moving forward?
For the second time, Russell spent the fourth quarter on the bench as the Lakers fell to the Miami Heat. The point guard left with 4:52 left in the third quarter and never returned. It was the third fourth quarter in seven games that he has been benched. According to head coach Byron Scott via ESPN.com, he never considered bringing back Russell in the game as Lou Williams took over the position. When asked for an explanation for the benching, Russell simply did not have an answer.
"I don't know," Russell said, via ESPN.com. "I've got to figure out what I'm doing wrong so I can correct it. You've got to get better on each read and I guess that's my problem. I try to force it, trying to get the ball to guys."
Scott has made it very clear that if players cannot improve their defense, they will be benched regardless. The point guard is learning that lesson the hard way as Williams is the favored player when the games get tight. The rookie was quick to say that his confidence in himself is still very high despite the early-season struggles. Scott told the media that if Russell does not begin to really improve then the benchings will continue until he makes adjustments.
"When you make a mistake over and over again, that wood has a way of talking to your butt a little bit too. You get a couple of splinters here and there," Scott said, via the Los Angeles Times. "Sometimes that has a great way of communicating how important it is to play on that other end of the floor."
The Lakers need Russell to improve. The rookie is expected to be the future of the team along with Jordan Clarkson. Scott told the media at the start of the year that he envisions both players to be the backcourt of the Lakers for many years to come. Right now Clarkson is playing the part, but Russell has yet to look comfortable in the role.
For the short-term, the Lakers are also dealing with injuries as they have just one win on the season. Kobe Bryant is not expected to play against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday as he deals with a back injury plaguing him. According to the veteran, the issue is not serious, but more just something he could not get loose.
"I had trouble walking," Bryant said, via ESPN.com. "I've been dealing with the back a little bit during training camp. Today, I couldn't shake it free. You've just got to try to stay on top of it and maintain it. It's not like back spasms or anything like that. It's soreness and something that I can knock out with a little rest, a little treatment. It's not like an injury-injury."
