D’Angelo Russell moves to Lakers bench, says he just ‘wants to win’

Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell battles 76ers Jared McCain (20) and Guerschon Yabusele for a loose ball at Crypto.com Arena Friday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)

D’Angelo Russell, who JJ Redick moved to the Lakers’ second unit earlier in the day on Friday, responded with 18 points for a bench that desperately needed offensive punch and helped the Lakers beat Philadelphia 116-106.

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

In each of his next two answers, he repeated the phrase.

“I just want to win,” he said.

Read more: Critical decision by JJ Redick pays off in Lakers’ win over 76ers

Russell, in the final year of two-year, $36 million contract, has gotten off to a slow start this season under Redick’s offense while taking fewer shots per game than at any time before in his career. His usage rate is also at a career low.

“I think just trying to do me within what we’re trying to do. And that’s the adjustment. That’s what I’ve been trying to figure it out,” Russell said. “But as far as taking all of this personal and giving ya’ll something, I don’t really have anything. My approach has been to be professional from day one. And I’m committed to it through not playing, through coming off the bench, through whatever it may be. I’m egoless.

“So I just want to win.”

Redick’s decision came after he benched Russell for most of the second half in the team’s lopsided loss to Memphis to end their five-game road trip. The Lakers lost four of those games.

Lakers coach JJ Redick and Anthony Davis talk on the sideline during a win over the 76ers at Crypto.com Arena Friday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)

He said the lineup change was “fluid.”

Friday against Philadelphia, Reddick started Cam Reddish. Reddish gave the Lakers more size and physicality defensively and Russell responded with one of his best shooting nights of the season.

“I thought both those guys starred in the roles that they had tonight. Cam took one shot in 27 minutes but…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/dangelo-russell-moves-lakers-bench-130056363.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-11-09 13:00:00

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