Russell has performed well in preseason play for the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite uncertainty about his future deriving from a turbulent postseason, he re-signed a two-year, $36 million contract. It culminated with Dennis Schroder replacing Russell in the starting lineup for Game 4 of the Lakers’ conference finals loss to the Denver Nuggets.
The Russell book is fairly straightforward. He is a potent pull-up shooter who can fire bombs from beyond the 3-point line, but for every offensive flash of brilliance, one can point to a defensive lapse or an instance of poor shot selection. Russell is well-positioned for success on a Lakers team with elite playmakers such as LeBron James and Austin Reaves, but he continues to be an electrical rod for criticism. He vacillates aggressively between being hot and cool.
Russell is adjusting to a new set of expectations as the Lakers prepare for another postseason drive in 2023-2024. The former second overall selection is no longer advertised as a traditional point guard and offensive linchpin. As a role player, he draws inspiration from one of the greatest role players in the NBA.
“My inspiration is Derrick White,” Russell said. I aspire to be Derrick White. He doesn’t receive much credit for what he does, but he makes many successful plays. That is who I aspire to be.”
The artist D’Angelo Russell hopes to emulate Derrick White of the Celtics in his position with the Lakers.
Russell has made a very encouraging statement. It demonstrates a keen understanding of what makes a complementary player valuable. Russell has spent a significant portion of his career performing like a star, but in the context of LA’s current roster, that is neither sustainable nor remotely effective.
If Russell wants to live up to his contract and salvage his career after last season’s debacle, he will need to recommit to the defensive end and adopt an entirely new offensive strategy. Russell’s imitation of White is highly dubious, but any emphasis on spot-up 3-pointers, off-ball mobility, and defensive intensity is a positive development.
White utterly dominated the postseason for Boston, performing all the grunt work for an offensively gifted Celtics team. White is an exceptional guard defender, equally effective at the point of attack or off the ball, where his activity in passing lanes is a constant thorn in NBA offenses’ sides.
White is not an offensive standout, but he hits timely threes, makes active cuts, and avoids over-dribbling. He processes the game swiftly and makes accurate passes within the offensive flow, promoting ball movement and connecting the dots for Boston’s potent offensive assault.
