If D'Angelo Russell helps return the Los Angeles Lakers to championship status, 2015-16 will all be worth it.
But for now. ...
Cleveland Cavaliers Should've Listened To Lakers In Proposed LeBron James-For-Kobe Bryant Trade
The rookie point guard, selected second in the 2015 NBA Draft, is struggling. His communication battles with head coach Byron Scott are well-documented. The Lakers are 11-44 and fighting the Philadelphia 76ers for the worst record in the NBA.
And, apparently, Russell also is having a hard time trying to take instruction from Kobe Bryant.
D'Angelo Russell's Improvement Stalling, And It's Coach Byron Scott's Fault
After Friday's Rising Stars Challenge in Toronto on Friday, Russell and Lakers teammate Jordan Clarkson took part in the postgame news conference.
Also apparently, it was a good thing that Clarkson was there. Both were asked a leading question, about what it felt like to be "unleashed" in an event like the rising stars game as opposed to trying to fit into roles playing alongside Bryant's farewell tour, Bleacher Report recounted.
Clarkson answered first. Then as Russell was preparing to answer, Clarkson told him --- away from the microphones --- to be careful with his words, according to Bleacher Report.
In transcribing some or Russell's comments, the Los Angeles Daily News included some background information, reporting that Bryant singled out Russell and power forward Julius Russell in a team tongue-lashing after a loss to Portland last month.
"Since then, Bryant has admitted he has instructed Russell not to allow his fluctuating role and external criticism to compromise his work ethic and focus," the Daily News reported. "Russell has declined to address that issue, but he addressed in general terms what it's like playing with him."
Russell heeded Clarkson's warning, speaking only positively of Kobe.
"You got to see it firsthand. Game days he's so focused you can't really knock him off, distract him or anything like that," Russell said. "He's always focused ... It's something we can definitely take and add.
"When he shows up when he does, he's a showman and you really enjoy it. It doesn't bother me. He's deserved every bit of this farewell tour. Even though we're struggling, he deserves it all."
Russell likely is genuine in those sentiments; however, he can't say his rookie season is what he signed up for.
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