Lakers 2024-2025 Player Preview: D’Angelo Russell
As the 2024-2025 NBA season approaches, D’Angelo Russell is at a crossroads in his NBA career. In his contract year, Russell spoke to the media with brutal honesty and fresh drive, sharing insights into his summer reflections, the upcoming season, and personal development.
The seasoned point guard took no punches in reflecting on last year’s flaws and discussing his commitment to responsibility and professionalism moving ahead.
Russell was open about his struggles of the previous season, highlighting the absence of structure in the Lakers’ system. He described last year’s strategy as “winging it,” implying that the coaching staff lacked an established game plan or direction.
Relationship with JJ Redick
JJ Redick says he has spoken to D’Angelo Russell probably more than any other Lakers player since he got the job and his message to the guard has been: “Let’s put you in position to have a career year”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 25, 2024
“His kind words mean a lot to me. I’m not used to hearing those,” Russell said, expressing gratitude for Redick’s leadership. Russell also discussed his connection with Lakers fans, “Lakers Nation loves me. They talk too good to me when I can,”.
D’Angelo Russell is quickly building a closer relationship with JJ Redick than just about all of his previous coaches. He’s been liking his plays so much that he finds himself thinking about them while on the golf course: pic.twitter.com/OhgY3IdF6B
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) October 3, 2024
Russell’s confidence is at an all-time high as he begins the season with a “dangerous mindset,” as he says. He also describes himself as “a problem for opposing teams.”
JJ Redick told the media that he wants to see D’Angelo Russell have a career year. I asked DLo what that entails and he gave a really interesting answer: pic.twitter.com/0DEHS3r3zg
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) September 30, 2024
Brutal Honesty
Russell’s drive to improve on the defensive end of the court was a recurring theme throughout his media day interview. He openly acknowledged that, at times, he lacked professionalism and did not always show a team-first perception. This season, he wants to keep himself accountable and win the trust of his coaches, especially on defense.
“When you get subbed out for offensive-defensive possessions, that shows where the trust is in your coach and your ability,” Russell said. He realizes consistency and trust are essential for remaining on the court at critical moments. Still, he is also aware of his defensive capabilities.
Russell stated that Redick’s high basketball IQ and strategic vision make him an excellent mentor for balancing the complex relationships between coach and player—an important factor considering that the Lakers’ roster features LeBron James.
Russell said JJ Redick is the “perfect guy” to understand the balance of letting his players play – Russell mentioned LeBron specifically in that context – and also put in some of his basketball philosophies as a coach to make an impact.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 30, 2024
“When one of your players is the greatest of all time, you’ve got to take into consideration everything you do in your preparation,” Russell added, highlighting Redick’s ability to manage such a unique environment.
Russell’s dedication to defensive integrity might be critical for the Lakers, who will require his two-way contributions in what looks to be a highly tough Western Conference.
With JJ Redick urging him to have a career-defining season and their relationship growing closer, the pressure of a contract year, and trade rumors hovering over his head, D’Angelo Russell starts this season with a fresh focus.
