Insider Believes Returning Lakers Starter Must Improve Postseason Play
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka was quite busy this offseason in both re-signing members of the team's 2023 playoff core and some fresh faces for head coach Darvin Ham's new rotation in the upcoming regular season.
Among the returning pieces was point guard D'Angelo Russell on a two-year deal, a pricey acquisition in the mind of one analyst should his postseason play falter once again like it did in last year's impressive run.
Russell has a history of bad or inconsistent shooting in the playoffs. Although he improved somewhat in that department this spring, he still has lots of room for improvement left. He shot at least 45% in just seven of L.A.’s 16 playoff games, and overall he was at just 42.6% from the field and 31% from 3-point range. In the Western Conference finals versus the Denver Nuggets, he shot less than 40% in each of the first three games, leading to him being benched and playing just 15 minutes in the Game 4 finale. The Lakers may not be able to survive Russell pulling another disappearing act in the playoffs.
While it's true that Russell's play in the regular season improved the Laker record enough to reach the play in for their postseason run, the playoffs were a different story.
Inconsistency led to his benching in favor of Dennis Schroeder's defensive minded attack as that part of Russell's game is not a strength by any means.
However, Russell does provide a decent three pointer and good vision within the pick and roll offense as a ball handler.
Though it will take more than just Russell's contributions to help both LeBron James and Anthony Davis get another title for their team like in 2020, LA's plans certainly wouldn't be hurt by some upgraded play from their former No. 2 overall draft pick.
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