Lakers need career year from D’Angelo Russell to challenge for title amid NBA rumors | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

The Los Angeles Lakers have a new leader at the helm in JJ Redick, and the first-time coach is wasting little time in motivating one of the team’s stars to have his best season yet.

Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported that Redick told him that he has “probably talked to D’Angelo Russell more than any other Lakers player since he got the job,” with the message: “Let’s put you in (a) position to have a career year.”

Redick told Lakers reporter Mike Trudell that Russell will “play an important role on this team” and that his mentality and leadership stand out, which is good news for the team as Russell will play a vital role in Los Angeles’ pursuit of the team’s 18th NBA title .

He is a dynamic shooter, has a quality jump shot and can finish at the rim. His playmaking ability is undeniable and was on full display during a red-hot start to 2024. Redick expects to have three-point shooting in his system and his point guard fits the bill perfectly.

He shot 41.5 percent from beyond the arc in the regular season.

It was the highest of his career.

If the fully supportive Redick can coach Russell and get him to make the adjustments needed to consistently play at that high level, the Lakers will be even better than they currently look on paper with the return of key role players like Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish. , Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood.

Considering that Redick was a former sharpshooter himself and shared some of the same similarities with Russell, it stands to reason that he is best equipped to get the most out of his point guard and ensure the Lakers have another piece to bring with LeBron James and Anthony Davis to help the team back into contention for the world title.

Or more importantly, help the team stay afloat when injuries or age slow down or sideline one of the team’s megastars.