D'Angelo Russell Has Been the Key To the Lakers' Recent Success

Russell has been on a tear of late.

The Los Angeles Lakers season can be broken down into multiple small parts. At times they look like one of the best teams in the entire NBA, and other times, they look like they don't even belong on the same floor as their opponent.

It has been incredibly frustrating to watch all season for everyone involved, and with the trade deadline approaching, something needs to change. But over the past few games, they've looked much better.

The reason? A shift in their starting lineup once again. This time they have been led by often-criticised point guard D'Angelo Russell. Since returning to the starting lineup, Russell has been the engine for this team, and it has helped them find a small groove.

"He’s averaging 27.2 points since returning to the starting lineup five games ago, making nearly 54% of his three-point shots — his best stretch of basketball this season. Sunday, the points came in clusters."

Per Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times

The tear offensively that Russell is on has helped L.A. take down a few good teams around the Western Conference. It has helped them stay afloat and if anything, he has boosted his value in trade talks.

“I’ve always been like that, recognizing my superpower,” Russell said. “Everybody in the league has one. It might be defensive or just a motor but everyone has one. For me, ever since I was a young kid, I always found myself kinda getting hot throughout the game where I might score five, six points right away. Maybe score 10 in a quarter or something like that and score 10, 12 points the last three minutes of the game. It’s just my superpower.”

Per D'Angelo Russell via The Los Angeles Times

The Lakers have been active in looking to make some deals, and Russell has been at the center of it all. He can become a free agent at the end of the season, so the Lakers will want to get something for him.

If Russell can keep up this hot streak over the next few weeks, the Lakers will be in a good place. They can grab some wins, and likely get some real value back in any trade for him.