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D’Angelo Russell, who was moved to the Lakers' second unit by coach JJ Redick earlier on Friday, delivered 18 points in a crucial bench role, helping the team secure a 116-106 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. It was the need of the hour by Lakers and Russel delivered when they needed it the most.
“I just wanted to win. So whatever it took, change of plans, whatever it is, whatever Coach needs, try to get the win and be a part of that," Russell said in his first response after the game as qouted By LA Times.
Russell, in the final year of his two-year, $36 million contract, has faced a slow start this season under Redick's system, averaging fewer shots per game than at any point in his career. His usage rate is also at a career low. But despite the challenges, Russell has stayed focused on adapting to his new role.
“I think just trying to do me within what we’re trying to do. And that’s the adjustment. That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out, But as far as taking all of this personal and giving ya’ll something, I don’t really have anything. My approach has been to be professional from day one. And I’m committed to it through not playing, through coming off the bench, through whatever it may be. I’m egoless. So I just want to win," he added.
Redick's decision to move Russell to the bench came after a tough loss to Memphis, where Russell spent most of the second half on the sidelines during the Lakers’ 1-4 road trip. Redick described the lineup change as “fluid,” and on Friday against the 76ers, he started Cam Reddish to provide more size and physicality on defense. The shift paid off. While Reddish had minimal scoring impact, his defense was vital in limiting Paul George, who was never able to get going. Meanwhile, Russell responded with one of his most efficient performances of the season.
“I thought both those guys starred in the roles that they had tonight. Cam took one shot in 27 minutes but had a huge impact on the game defensively. Paul George never got going at any point in the game. And then for D-Lo, I thought he started in that role as well. Big-time pop for us off the bench. A really efficient night for him. And he just played really good basketball," Redick said.
Russell’s strong showing against the 76ers was part of a broader effort from the bench to bring more energy and effort, areas that Redick had criticized after the Lakers’ loss to Memphis.
Redick, who has built a strong rapport with Russell since being hired as coach, praised the guard’s professionalism and commitment.
“I’m not surprised that he approached the game the way that he did and that he had the performance he had,. Again, we’ve asked him to do things. He’s been ... accepting of the role. He has talked with me all the time. He has a reall
“I’m not surprised that he approached the game the way that he did and that he had the performance he had,. Again, we’ve asked him to do things. He’s been ... accepting of the role. He has talked with me all the time. He has a really strong desire to win and he has a really strong desire to be coached. And our communication level from June 20 [the day Redick was hired] to today has been nothing but open, honest, and transparent. And I would assume it will continue to be," Redick added.
"His strong desire to win and he has a really strong desire to be coached. And our communication level from June 20 [the day Redick was hired] to today has been nothing but open, honest, and transparent. And I would assume it will continue to be, But he was even just coming to our meeting today, just a professional, great attitude, all of the things that you want. And you see it all the time in the league where guys can take that the wrong way. Like it’s some sort of punishment — like play the victim — and D-Lo didn’t do any of that. And that’s part of the reason that he had the game that he had," Reddick concluded.
Russell’s willingness to embrace his new role and his team-first mentality were key to his bounce-back performance, and they’re qualities that could make a big difference as the Lakers continue to adjust.
