D'Angelo Russell demotion paying dividends for Lakers

For a long time, questions have swirled around D'Angelo Russell, particularly regarding his inconsistent form and defensive shortcomings. 

Those concerns reached a tipping point for head coach JJ Redick during the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Nov. 6.

During the game, Redick made a decisive move, drastically reducing Russell’s playing time and offering pointed remarks about the point guard's performance.

"Just level of compete, attention to detail, some of the things we've talked with him about for a couple weeks. At times, he's been really good with that stuff, and other times, it's just reverting back to certain habits," Redick said.

"It wasn't like a punishment, just felt like for us to have a chance to win this game, that was the route we wanted to take."

Since that night, the 28-year-old has been relegated to the bench. However, the change has ended up benefitting both the team and the player.

The Lakers have responded positively to the adjustment, embarking on a five-game win streak since Russell's benching, which has lifted them to third place in the Western Conference with a 9-4 record.

The shift has also addressed an ongoing issue for the Lakers—bench production. With Russell out of the starting line-up, the promotion of Cam Reddish has balanced the roster more effectively. 

While Reddish’s offensive game remains limited, his defensive presence has been invaluable. By taking on key defensive assignments, Reddish has allowed Austin Reaves to conserve energy for offensive production, contributing to the team's overall success.

At the same time, the Lakers’ bench has been a point of concern throughout the early stages of the season, currently ranked 28th with an average of 24.1 points per game.

Russell, despite his ups and downs, has contributed to the bench’s scoring efforts, highlighted by 18-point and 15-point performances against the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors.

However, the change has not been without its challenges. While Russell has been able to produce in crucial moments, his shot selection remains erratic, and his decision-making can still be  unpredictable at times. Nevertheless, his ability to deliver when it matters most has been a bright spot.

Since his demotion, Russell has averaged 12.2 points and 3.4 assists per game, maintaining a relatively low turnover rate. Notably, he has been shooting 43.3 percent from beyond the arc, providing a much-needed offensive spark off the bench. 

His plus-minus rating of +11.6 during this stretch further highlights the positive impact of the change.

Defensively, while Russell’s effort has shown improvement, there is still work to be done. However, the signs are encouraging, suggesting that the move may have helped him focus on the areas where the team needs him most.

Throughout this transition, the Lakers guard has remained largely positive about the change, expressing his commitment to the team’s success.

"I just wanted to win. So whatever it took, change of plans, whatever it is, whatever Coach needs, try to get the win and be a part of that," Russell said after the Lakers’ victory over Philadelphia, via ESPN.

At this point in his career, it seems clear that D'Angelo Russell is focused on winning. If that means coming off the bench, he is willing to accept the role for the greater good of the team.

Despite the shift, there is still speculation surrounding his future with the team, with general manager Rob Pelinka reportedly exploring trade options to further strengthen the roster. 

For now, Redick has found a way to win with Russell on the team.