Things are finally starting to look up in Laker-land, it seems. The team just hired ex-player and Golden State Warriors assistant Luke Walton as its head coach and will go into the summer with a nice, young core of talented players. Among those players is D’Angelo Russell, a talented point guard billed to be the future face of the franchise.
Russell just finished an uneven rookie season with stretches of phenomenal play followed by bouts of major struggle. The coaching situation in addition to Kobe Bryant’s farewell tour did not do the former Ohio State Buckeye any favors.
D’Angelo will be looking to build off of the success that he did have in his first year in the NBA and Walton’s coaching will most likely put him in position to do so. However, the point guard may receive even more help from a pretty decent former point guard.
Laker Nation: I had a really good lunch meeting with D'Angelo Russell!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 1, 2016
In my meeting with D'Angelo Russell, he picked my brain about the PG position and I'm looking forward to working out with him this summer!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 1, 2016
Laker Nation: I'm looking forward to being a mentor to D'Angelo Russell on and off the court.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 2, 2016
This is phenomenal news for all Lakers fans. That Russell is already meeting with and learning from the greatest point guard of all time is a great sign for his career trajectory. It does not mean in any way that Russell will reach Magic Johnson’s level of aptitude at that position, but there is a lot the young man can learn from one of the greatest Lakers ever.
Much like Magic, Russell is a big point guard who has shown a willingness and an ability to work down low in the post. His vision and passing are also already great considering he is only 20 years old. If he can learn the extra details and nuances of the game from Magic, there is no telling where he can go from here.
Magic may be more well-known for his Captain Obvious-esque tweets about free agent targets, but this could be a huge factor in Russell’s development. If the two do indeed work together, and with Walton bringing in a modern offense that will play to D’Lo’s strengths, Russell may be in for a great second season.
