Heading into the 2015-16 NBA season, there are high expectations for D’Angelo Russell after being selected second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. While Russell struggled during the team’s Summer League, it was recently revealed he played through knee and ankle injuries.
With the Lakers set to play their first preseason game tomorrow, head coach Byron Scott was asked about Russell’s performance through the first week of training camp via Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times:
How is D'Angelo Russell looking? "I still think he's going to have a lot more ups this year than downs," Byron said.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) October 3, 2015
Being a rookie point guard is the most difficult position to be in and Russell will face the top guards in the league on a nightly basis. While there will be highs and lows, Kobe Bryant has been very complimentary of the rookie who is expected to eventually carry the franchise.
Although Russell is dealing with a bone bruise in his foot, he participated in practice on Saturday. With the first preseason game tomorrow, there will be plenty of excitement for not only Russell, but Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson.