D’Angelo Russell Says He’s ‘Committed’ to Lakers amid Benching: ‘Whatever It Takes’

Adam WellsNovember 9, 2024

Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

D’Angelo Russell is taking his new role coming off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers in stride.

After being replaced in the starting five by Cam Reddish in Friday’s win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Russell told reporters following the game that he’s “committed to whatever it takes” to help the Lakers succeed.

“I just wanted to win,” Russell said. “So whatever it took, change of plans, whatever it is, whatever Coach needs, try to get the win and be a part of that.”

There are parallels between Russell’s role for the Lakers at the start of this season and last season.

Darvin Ham used Russell as a starter to begin the 2023-24 season, but shifted him to a bench role in late December when the Lakers were in the midst of losing five of six games.

“That’s all I got for you,” Russell said at the time when asked about his benching. “I have nothing to add about the conversation. It is what it is. I have no comments or no headlines for you.”

Ham moved Russell back into the starting lineup after just 10 games as he was trying to figure out a lineup that would work. It was reported after the season that the decision to drop Russell and Austin Reaves from the starting five “did not sit well with many within the organization and locker room.”

This time around, though, Russell seems willing to take on whatever is asked of him. Redick told reporters after Friday’s win that Russell has “been accepting of the role” and praised his “strong desire to be coached.”

The move paid off against the Sixers, as Russell scored 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting in 25 minutes. He shot under 40 percent from the field in six of his first eight games this season as a starter.

Russell has always been a streaky shooter, which is what makes it hard to rely on him as a starter for a full season. His ability to make threes is essential for a Lakers team that doesn’t have a lot of great shooters, but he will need to show more consistency before Redick can think about putting him back in the starting unit.