Lakers News: D'Angelo Russell Knows He's Playing Terribly

That's the first step to recovery, anyway.

Los Angeles Lakers starting (for now) point guard D'Angelo Russell has been playing some really rough basketball of late.

When he was inked to a generous two-year, $36 million contract over the season, Bill Simmons of The Ringer predicted Russell had been slightly overpaid so that he could better match incoming salaries when being floated as a trade chip. 

He may have been right, but Russell's play has still been rough enough to make potential trade partners nervous.

Across his last eight games, he's averaging just 9.8 points on 38% shooting from the floor and 28% shooting from long range, plus a decent 5.5 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals.

Following LA's 118-111 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves yesterday, D-Lo leveled with gathered reporters during his postgame comments to gathered media. He actually shot okay, making 17 points (albeit on a patchy 7-of-19 shooting from the floor, including 2-of-6 from deep in the fourth quarter) and eight assists.

“I’ve just gotta be better... No excuse for that.” D'Angelo Russell on his recent shooting slump. pic.twitter.com/DxuCyePrI9

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) December 22, 2023

"I've just got to be better obviously. Just find a way to be better," Russell said. "No excuse for that. It's good to see something go in, but obviously we want the win to be the result. Just got to play better. It happens."

Let's hope it starts happening soon. LA next plays the Oklahoma City Thunder tomorrow, and will be looking to avoid its fifth straight defeat.