Lakers News: LA Guard Looking To Improve Biggest Problem In His Game
Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell brought an offensive punch to the team after his move from Minnesota at the 2023 trade deadline and contributed to an inspired Western Conference Finals run.
Despite his scoring punch, the backcourt starter for purple and gold is already thinking ahead this preseason about filling up some of the holes in his game to help the team further in 2024.
“Last year, they found a way to get me off the floor by not playing defense, I guess,” Russell said after Wednesday’s game. “So, trying to be a reason to eliminate that, not give them a reason to not have me on the floor. Try to be as dangerous as I can on offense and try not to be a liability on defense. That’s what I’m working on. I’m trying to do it now before the season so I can continue to practice those good habits.”
Russell's ball handling, passing chops and three-point marksmanship remain a strength from his glory days at Ohio State but the defensive component of his game remains a weakness.
Darvin Ham noticed as much and opted to start FIBA World Cup MVP Dennis Schroder in Russell's stead in the final games of the 2023 postseason against Denver.
Though Jamal Murray remained a tough cover for everyone en route to his first NBA title with the Nuggets, Russell's desire to improve on that end will only help LA this season.
Tough defense was LA's calling card during their 2020 championship season thanks to contributions from gritty perimeter defense from guards like Rajon Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
LA doesn't expect the former Buckeye to become a Defensive Player of the Year anytime soon, but any improvement in that department will only help their championship hopes this year.
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