Since his rookie season as a Laker, D’Angelo Russell has been known for shooting 3-pointers well.
His offensive excesses and his Celebrating “Ice in the Veins” became a legend. Upon his return to the purple and gold last year, the Lakers started doing a similar “freeze” celebration when they hit big 3-point shots. It wasn’t necessarily a tribute, but introducing a similar celebration upon his return is probably not just a coincidence.
Monday against Atlanta FalconsRussell was hotter than ever, converting six 3-pointers to help the Lakers comfortably beat Atlanta at home and move up to ninth place in the West, usurping first place. Warriors of the Golden State.
He has now made 183 3-pointers this season, tying Nick Van Exel for the single-season franchise record.
Postgame head coach Darvin Ham talked about the freedom Russell has to shoot the ball and how that helps the Lakers be the best version of themselves.
“He has a green room, not a green light, a green room,” Ham said. “When he comes off the pick and roll and we’re able to set a good screen at the right angle and teams know they’re going to have to pass over it or we execute something to get him off the screen of the ball, they know they have to run after it, it opens up everything in the pocket. Whether it’s a quick dump to a pocket dunk, a pocket pass, a hockey assist or from a pocket pass to someone else on the other side for an open shot. just that ability to not only be aggressive but also be efficient at a high level beyond the arc, it opens up a ton things. “
Ham has previously praised Russell, saying it is necessary for ultimate successbut describing his light as so big that it’s actually a play gives a clear picture of the trust he has in his starting guard.
Russell was asked about this comment during his press briefing.
“I appreciate that he trusts me that much,” Russell said. “I’m really trying to feel like I’ve earned something like this, it didn’t come cheap. Knowing that it’s something I put in and put in the work to continue doing this, it seems normal to me, humbly.”
Russell’s relationship with Ham has undoubtedly improved since last year’s playoffs, when he said he had “no dialogue” with his trainer during his struggles and his bench during the Western Conference finals. Considering how well he’s played, it’s good to see that relationship improve, and trust has definitely been earned.
This is a successful league and no one has scored more 3 points on this team than Russell. Once he makes another one, he’ll be the only franchise leading 3-pointer in Lakers history and given the richness of that history, that’s something to be commended and cherished.
He’ll have a chance to make history next Friday when the Lakers play 76ers at home.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.
