The upcoming NBA season is right around the corner and the Los Angeles Lakers are approaching the season with high expectations, while returning with much of the same roster from last year. Key to that renewed hope is the starting point guard, D’Angelo Russell, who last season had a turbulent time under former coach Darvin Ham.
While on media duties ahead of the new season, D’Angelo Russell reflected on the shift from his former coach Darvin Ham to JJ Redick, where he hinted that tensions that may have existed last season. In an interview with Spectrum Sportsnet, he subtly took a jab at Ham, where he emphasized the fresh start he is getting under Redick.
I think last year we didn’t really have the structure defensively that we needed as a team. And that kinda hurt me a little bit trying to help my teammates. But like I said, JJ’s trying to push structure everywhere and implement it everywhere and I think that’s what we need.
D’Angelo Russell said
D’Angelo Russell:
“Last year, we didn’t really have the structure defensively that we needed as a team.”
(via @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/xhFqi5VF8Y
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 30, 2024
Both Russell and Ham had a well known rocky relationship with both publicly criticizing each other during the 2023 season. Now Darvin Ham is gone, and Russell is part of the Lakers five aiming to bring the Purple and Gold back to relevance.
The Lakers will begin the season with a series of preseason games with the first game being against the Minnesota Timberwolves. As for Coach Ham, he is now working as an assistant under the Milwaukee Bucks head coach, Doc Rivers.
D’Angelo Russell hails rival Karl-Anthony Towns
D’Angelo Russell this offseason was constantly involved in the trade rumors and whether he wanted to truly leave has finally been put to rest. Taking to social media, his excitement for the new season was apparent as he took to social media to hype up Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Lakers starting guard shared his excitement about Towns on X where he predicted that Towns will make an immediate impact and earn another All-Star selection. The blockbuster trade that sent Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo still has fans in splits.
KAT gonna be an All-Star #CarryOn
D’Angelo Russell wrote on X
KAT gonna be an All-Star #CarryOn
— D’Angelo Russell (@Dloading) September 30, 2024
KAT’s move to the Knicks was shocking and surprising, with reports that he was even blindsided by the move.
But turning lemon into lemonade, he has a chance of achieving something bigger in the East as he has made the Knicks stronger and able to match up against the Boston Celtics.
