Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Smush Parker recently shared his views on D’Angelo Russell’s role with the Purple and Gold. Parker emphasized that Russell needs to adapt his playstyle to fit alongside superstar LeBron James.
Parker explained that Russell, who is accustomed to being a primary ball-handler, must adjust his game when sharing the floor with James. “D’Angelo is a playmaker that’s used to having the ball in his hands, but you have to understand that’s not your role anymore,” Parker told Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson on Scoop B Selects Presented by the National Basketball Retired Players Association.
He compared Russell’s situation to his own experience playing with Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. Parker recalled how he had to transition from being a ball-handler to a spot-up shooter to complement Bryant’s dominant playmaking abilities. He noted that Russell would need to do something similar when playing with LeBron.
“When you’re playing with a guy like LeBron James, you have to become a spot-up shooter,” Parker added. “You know what your role is on certain teams and then elevate your game to that level.”
Russell, who rejoined the Lakers at the 2022-23 trade deadline, was a crucial contributor for the team last season. He averaged 18 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game during the 2023-24 season, serving as a key piece of the Lakers’ playoff push.
However, his playmaking responsibilities were often reduced when sharing the court with James, a dynamic that Parker believes Russell needs to fully embrace.
The Lakers, led by James and Anthony Davis, have championship aspirations, and Russell’s ability to adapt could be vital to the team’s success. His shooting and playmaking will continue to be critical, but his willingness to accept a more off-ball role might determine how far the Lakers can go this season. So far, Russell has embraced the vision of new head coach JJ Redick.
