D’Angelo Russell is having a comeback season like no one else. The once-discarded Lakers star has taken his game to another level this season and is easily one of the Lakers’ better players. Despite being constantly linked with a move away from the franchise, D’Lo kept his focus solely on the game and the results are there to see.
While his comeback story is awe-inspiring, he has some stories of his own. Particularly the one about Darvin Ham and Dennis Schroder.
D’Angelo Russell explains reasons behind Darvin Ham’s relationship failure
D’Angelo Russell has recently made a bold revelation blaming former short-term teammate, Dennis Schroder for his unhealthy relationship with head coach Darvin Ham.
On his return to his previous team, DLo thought he could bond with the head coach but instead, he was benched during the Western Conference 2023 finals. Being brutally honest, the point guard said that it was Schröder’s strong connection that affected his opportunities.
The 28-year-old said, “His (Dennis Schröder) relationship with Darvin is the reason I couldn’t have a relationship with Darvin. When I was struggling, I would’ve been able to come to the coach and say, ‘Bro, this is what we should do. Like, I can help you.’ Instead, there was no dialogue. … I just accepted it. And we got swept and I’m here and he’s not. And I like our chances.”
Had there been a healthy relationship between the two, Russell would’ve offered suggestions when the Lakers were struggling to succeed against the Denver Nuggets. However, he only had to accept whatever was passed on to him.
Fortunately for Russell, the German point guard Schröder signed up with the Toronto Raptors in June 2023 while DLo remained at the Lakers, which he concluded with pride.
D’Angelo Russell shares Kobe Bryant’s advice to him during rookie
Everyone wants to receive advice from the best while moving up the ladder, and so does D’Angelo Russell. Being an influencer and mentor to many, late NBA legend Kobe Bryant shared some pieces of advice with DLo in his rookie year.
Known for being a workaholic, one would believe that Kobe must have given some advice regarding basketball, but it was a short and impactful one for Russell. Revealing what the advice was the guard said, “Create new headlines. And that stuck with me.”
Russell was linked up with multiple franchises during the latest trade window, but he embraced the Black Mamba’s advice and only focused on his individual growth in the midst of trade rumors.
The Lakers are currently in the 9th position of the Western Conference table having a 36-30 record with Russell as a starter now, contributing 18 points, 3 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game while shooting at 47.1% from the floor and 42.4% from the 3-point range.
