The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a challenging season, finishing 47-35 and landing 8th in the NBA Western Conference. D’Angelo Russell’s team’s hopes for a championship were quickly dashed in the playoffs as they were swept 4-0 by the Denver Nuggets.
Following the disappointing end, the Lakers made some significant changes. They fired head coach Darvin Ham and replaced him with former NBA player JJ Redick, who had no prior coaching experience.
During Monday’s Lakers’ media day, Russell didn’t hold back in his criticism of their former coach. He highlighted the differences between Ham and Redick, stating that there is now “more structure” under the new head coach.
Redick has brought in multiple coaches and staff members to focus on specific roles, something the star point guard felt was missing during Ham’s tenure. In what seemed like another dig at Ham, Russell expressed his lack of trust in certain coaches last season, adding that the team also lacked a “defensive structure.”
D’Angelo Russell Aims to Earn Defensive Trust in Upcoming Lakers Campaign
D’Angelo Russell kicked off his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. After playing with three different teams, Russell was traded to the Lakers before the 2022–23 season.
He is fully committed to giving his best for the upcoming season, focusing on improvement and consistency. During the Lakers’ media day, Russell shared his mindset going into the season.
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“For me, just keeping that maturity and that professionalism throughout the year, no matter the ups and downs. Holding myself more accountable on the defensive end. Obviously, I know I’m capable. But when you get subbed out of the game for offensive-defensive possession, that shows where your trust is with your coach and your ability,” he said.
“So for me, just trying to gain that trust with the coach defensively. And consistently, I’m going to show up every day, practice game preseason, whatever, knowing that coach has that trust in me as well,” he added.
Redick recently named the Lakers’ starting five for the upcoming season. The Lakers will begin the season with a game against the Denver Nuggets on October 5.
Also Read: Former Los Angeles Lakers Icon Robert Horry Explains Why He Belongs To The Hall of Fame.
