D'Angelo Russell is the most important player on the Los Angeles Lakers
roster heading into his rookie season. That's a lot of pressure to put on a
19-year-old who has never played in an official NBA game, but the No. 2 pick
in June's draft won't be intimidated by it.
In an interview with Alex Kennedy of BasketballInsiders.com, Russell said his
expectation is to be the NBA's best rookie in 2015-16: “I have been grinding
all summer to put myself in that position."
The pressure on Russell is already high because the Lakers are very much in a
transition period. Kobe Bryant is in the final year of his contract, and
general manager Mitch Kupchak has said the former MVP could retire after the
season.
Going with a young nucleus around Bryant, which includes Russell and Julius
Randle, could make this another difficult season for the Lakers in a loaded
Western Conference.
However, Russell isn't shying away from putting expectations on himself or
the team heading into the season, per Kennedy: “Expectations are high, but
this Lakers squad will most definitely be a playoff team."
These are normal quotes for any athlete during the offseason. If Russell said
the Lakers are rebuilding and will lose at least 55 games for the third
consecutive season, he likely wouldn't be allowed back in the locker room.
Having expectations is a good thing, but reality doesn't always line up with
them. Los Angeles fans should be thrilled if Russell and Randle are healthy
for 82 games and consistently show the talent that has made them top-10
picks.
Russell's confidence in himself and his teammates is a good thing, even if
the Lakers don't end up making the postseason this year. He will be the focal
point for Los Angeles, even with Bryant still around, because he will be the
one tasked with leading the offense into the future.
简单来说 Russell以拿下新人王为目标砥砺自己,然后说说场面话认为湖人将相当有可能进入季后赛
心得:对Russell新球季的表现有相当大的期待阿,虽然球季尚未开始,但他在推特的发言造成的话题性远远超过Towns以及Okafor阿
怎么有种锋芒太露的感觉呀XD 毕竟夏联相较其他两人其成绩并不算太出色
希望他跟JC好好练呀,希望他们会如同米奇所说的,是湖人未来后场的答案!!!