The drama surrounding D'Angelo Russell's rookie season continues. The point guard was selected with the No.2 overall pick for the Los Angeles Lakers with the expectation that he would be an immediate starter for the team. That has not been the case as Russell has only started a handful of games while getting benched late in others. As criticism rolls in, will the Lakers target a move at the trade deadline or in free agency?
Head coach Byron Scott admitted to the media that he is frustrated with the development of Russell along with some of the other young talent on the Lakers' roster. Things came to a blow yet again when the Lakers faced the Cleveland Cavaliers. Russell did not start. He did acquire 15 points, but maturity issues have Scott frustrated. He told the media that the young rookie is nowhere near as good as players like Kyrie Irving and Chris Paul were in their rookie seasons.
"I didn't say it was a bad thing, but it is a bad thing at times," Scott said, via ESPN.com. "There's always a time to be serious, and there's always a time to joke around. So I'm not saying it's a bad thing -- I'm saying he's 19. I understand it. I'm not saying it's bad or good, but Chris Paul wasn't like that, and Kyrie was a little bit, but not that much. But like I said, again, they're all different, and I accept that."
The Lakers might be forced to make some moves. Heading into the offseason, Jordan Clarkson will be a restricted free agent and while Scott originally said that he wanted to retain the point guard, he will command more money than the team might be willing to pay. That is where additions will come into play.
ESPN.com believes the Lakers will eye top free agents this offseason. While players like Kevin Durant and DeMar DeRozan were already listed as options, Brandon Jennings, Rajon Rondo and Mike Conley will also be considered. The Lakers have been linked to all three point guards at one point last season before Russell was drafted. They could come back into play as the rookie continues to struggle.
Kobe Bryant has come to the defense of Russell during the season. He understands that guys like Russell and Julius Randle are expected to be the future of the franchise once he is off in retirement. Scott is also not giving up hope of a turnaround for the point guard. Russell notes that it is all about the process and he likes it.
"I'm in long with the process. The bad, the ups and downs, the process of getting where I want to be," Russell said, via Serena Winters of Lakers Nation.
