Though his play has improved recently and he has shown flashes of why the Los Angeles Lakers drafted him second overall, head coach Byron Scott has kept rookie D’Angelo Russell coming off the bench.
With the Lakers sitting dead last in the Western Conference, it would seem that player development is the main priority, along with sending off the legendary Kobe Bryant.
Russell returning to the starting lineup is something that many fans want to see, and according to Shahan Ahmed of NBC Los Angeles, head coach Byron Scott believes it is a priority:
"It is a priority" – Byron says it's important for D'Angeo Russell to start at some point this season. Compared it to JC last season.
— Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) January 29, 2016
As for when that time will come, it sounds as if it could be after the upcoming All-Star Break according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Byron Scott says D'Angelo Russell will start again at some point this season, likely after the All-Star break.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 29, 2016
It is only a matter of time before Russell is back with the starters and that is the best move for all parties involved. Not only would it help Russell’s individual development, but it will also give the core of Russell, Jordan Clarkson, and Julius Randle more time to gel as a unit and improve their chemistry.
Russell has the potential to become a star in this league and with no postseason hopes, getting him as many minutes as possible should be a priority, and it sounds as if that will be the case.
