Lakers News: Darvin Ham Heavily Defends Oft-Criticized Starter Following Recent Win

This was a little surprising.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell has been one of the more confusing players to figure out in recent memory. Sometimes he looks like he is capable of making his second All-Star team, and at others, like he should be at best a backup. 

But his skill set is something that fits in very well with this Lakers team, despite all the criticism he receives. His days with the Lakers may not be for long, as the trade is likely to move him at the trade deadline coming up.

But Russell has been a professional through it all and has always given his best on the court. After another solid performance against the Portland Trail Blazers, Russell was praised by a surprising person.

That would be head coach Darvin Ham, who has been critical of many players this season. But at least for one night, Russell was on his good side, as Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times details.

“Tonight was one of the most complete games I’ve seen him play since he’s been back in the Laker uniform,” Ham said. “He was great on defense, great with his activity, great on and off the ball offensively. He was huge.”

Russell dropped 34 points and eight assists to help the Lakers route Portland. It was a needed win for Los Angeles and one of the best games this season for the team. 

Since returning to the starting lineup a few games ago, Russell has been on a tear. He has helped the Lakers grab some wins, and it's been great to watch it play out.

"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," Woike writes. "Sunday, the points came in clusters."

If anything, Russell helped improve his value across the league in trade talks. It remains to be seen what will happen with him, but the most likely scenario is that he will be dealt in the coming weeks.