Lakers News: All-Star LA Vet Issues Rave Reviews For Teammates

Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard D'Angelo Russell seemed happy to share the spotlight following the team's 109-101 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, achieved without possibly four LA starters. LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves all sat, as did Jarred Vanderbilt and Cam Reddish. Vanderbilt started much of last year upon arriving to LA, though it's unclear if he'll do so again this season.

During his postgame remarks to Spectrum SportsNet, D-Lo had some choice words regarding his newly-acquired backup, point guard Gabe Vincent, and what he sees in him as a player.

"Confidence. Professional. Killer."

"The group that we got has been fun. A lot of good guys out there that I have fun playing with and just enjoying watching them do well, and when it comes my way I feel the same energy back, so I like where we're at as a team." 😎 pic.twitter.com/vW0E14btdu
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 12, 2023

Vincent scored 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting (4-of-8 from deep), and dished out two dimes.

Russell had a big game himself, finishing with 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field, plus eight assists. When asked what aided in the performance, Russell offered up a generous explanation.

"The group that we got has been fun. A lot of good guys out there that I have fun playing with and just enjoying watching them do well, and when it comes my way I feel the same energy back, so I like where we're at as a team," Russell said.

Russell also had excellent things to say about LA forward Rui Hachimura, who scored 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting (1-of-3 from deep), pulled down six boards, and logged one assist in the win.

"He's a guy that you can put a lot of trust in to have a huge night, to get us some wins. If LeBron decides to....not play a game or something... Rui can definitely take on that challenge and lead this group as well," Russell observed. "We're happy for one another to take over and step up."

It's clear that after what was widely considered to be a productive training camp, the retooled Lakers are ready to play at a high level. Adding a ton of new players in the offseason can always be a struggle, as it can cause issues with team chemistry and cohesion, but as alluded to in D-Lo's comments, the Lakers are in a nice spot.

Trotting out a starting lineup of Russell, Vincent, Taurean Prince, Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes, the Lakers were in control most of the game in a win against nearly the entire Kings team.

This reflects exceptionally well on the team's depth and reliability beyond LeBron and AD, which many can argue is the X-factor in another Lakers title run.

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