Lakers News: Celtics React To D'Angelo Russell Emulating Derrick White

Entering the 2023-24 NBA season, Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard D'Angelo Russell has been the talk of the summer. Many have wanted to see how he would handle himself after an offseason of criticism for his poor play in the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets.

But so far through the first few preseason games, Russell has looked great. He recently said that he wants to be like Boston Celtics point guard Derrick White on defense, making all the winning plays. Upon hearing this, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was ecstatic.

“That’s a great goal to have, to be someone like him,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “I still think he’s underrated from a defensive standpoint because of how good he is, and hopefully if he continues to grow offensively we can see a different side of him as well there.”

Per Jovan Buha and Jay King of The Athletic

It was a rare moment of peace between two bitter historic rivals. But Russell started it by giving props to White for all he does on the basketball court.

“Last year they found a way to get me off the floor by not playing defense, I guess,” Russell said. “So, try 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."

Per Jovan Buha and Jay King of The Athletic

Russell was played off the floor during the Western Conference Finals, and it was a real problem for LA. But he wanted to take this offseason to work on his defense, to make sure that it didn't happen again.

And seems that others around the NBA are realizing the impact Russell is having on the floor from both ends of the court. It has been great to see, and hopefully, he can keep it up.

“But Russell is currently playing with a sense of urgency – on both ends, but especially defensively – that belies his typically laid-back demeanor. And it’s translating on the floor this preseason, with Russell commanding the Lakers’ offense with an expert’s touch (25.4 points and 9.1 assists per 36 minutes in the Lakers’ four games thus far with a 72.4 true shooting percentage), and becoming something of a defensive playmaker, averaging 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks in 20.7 minutes per game.”

Per Jovan Buha and Jay King of The Athletic

If Russell can be even half of what White is defensively, LA will be in a great spot. The new season starts soon, and the Lakers are very happy to have Russell on the roster.

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