D’Angelo Russell Compares Starting and Coming off the Bench

For the first eight games of the season, D’Angelo Russell started at point guard for the Lakers. However, rookie head coach JJ Redick benched the guard for Cam Reddish due to his lack of influence on both ends of the court and the team’s need for additional defensive depth.

The veteran’s preparation has not been impacted by being benched, despite the fact that it was probably a devastating blow to his spirits. Instead, he is eager to contribute off the bench and has slightly changed his pregame routine.

D’Angelo Russell talks about difference between starting and being on bench

On The Backyard Podcast, he described how his warm-up routine and mindset changed, saying: “[Coming off the bench] is an adjustment… For me, I do what I do to be ready before the game… I’m on the treadmill, I’m on all that stuff. So for me to do that, then I have to cool down a little bit. [But] you are trying to find ways to not be cooling when you would be playing. Just trying to stay loose. Don’t get comfortable with sitting down.” 

In order to make sure he’s warmed up, loose, and prepared to play at full speed as soon as he enters the game rather than working his way into it, Russell stated that he works out with a trainer while the game is going on and he’s on the bench. He asserted that in order to have the greatest influence during his brief time on the court, he must be aggressive.

Mar 4, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) moves the ball up court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

At first, it seemed hard to go from being a starter to being benched. D’lo’s impact was almost little, and his numbers remained mediocre. But in the last two games, the guard has made it better. Russell was having a poor season as a starter.

Despite only making 29.2% of his three-point shots, he averaged 12 points on 11 shot attempts. He also didn’t start a fire with his playmaking. A player with his level of skill and experience should have a 5.8 assists to 1.6 turnover ratio. However, his form improved greatly after being benched.

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