Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell is embracing a new role under head coach J.J. Redick, The Orange County Register’s Khobi Price reports.
Redick previously shared his goal for Russell to have a “career year,” but clarified that this might not be reflected in his statistical output, as the offensive focus has shifted to Anthony Davis as the main option, with Austin Reaves taking on more ball-handling duties.
Russell’s best performance so far came Friday in Toronto, where he recorded 19 points, six assists, and three rebounds. However, his usage rate has decreased significantly to 16.8%, making it the sixth highest on the team, down from 22.2% last season.
In Redick’s system, Russell is playing less in the pick-and-roll and is instead focusing on off-ball movement and spotting up for jump shots.
“He’s bought into what we’re trying to do,” Redick said, explaining Russell’s transition. “He recognizes that his pick-and-roll usage will be down. And what he’s told me and what I think he has certainly lived out in reality is that he just wants to win.
“He wants to be on the winning team. He’s been bought in. We’ve had no issue sort of with anything with him. He’s gonna get it going. We’re gonna figure out ways to hopefully maximize all our guys. It’s very early. I’m not worried about D-Lo.”
Pacific Notes: Russell, Hood-Schifino, Harden, Curry https://t.co/Y2uRgjCKEO pic.twitter.com/waZPYBaNgG
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