The Lakers have suffered 29 losses already, but the close one against the Kings on Thursday probably hurt the least. Kobe Bryant got to put on a show in the first half, the young players got to lead a comeback from down 21 points before falling short late and rookie D'Angelo Russell had a breakout game after an up-and-down start to his career.
D’Angelo Russell after career night vs. Kings: ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet’
The Lakers’ rookie got his swag back after dropping 27 points on the Kings in a losing effort and wanted everyone to know about it.
Russell finished the night with a career-high 27 points, 19 of which came in the second half to propel the comeback attempt. He scored from inside and out, got to the free throw line and even made some plays on defense. It was exactly the type of performance that was expected from the 19-year-old when he was drafted second overall after a fantastic year at Ohio State.
He made plays when the Lakers needed them.
And came through in the clutch.
After the best game of his young career, Russell wanted everyone to know that this is just the beginning for him.
D'Angelo: "Y'all ain't seen nothing yet that's all I'm going to say. They (Kings) got lucky but the world hasn't seen anything yet."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 8, 2016 Those are strong words from a rookie that at times has looked tentative and had his confidence destroyed by a head coach that has changed his role several times. Lakers fans are used to having franchise players that are confident to the point of cockiness, so this new version of Russell that means mugs and makes statements like that one has to be a welcomed sight. He wasn’t playing as poorly as it seemed before, yet now it looks like he’s turned a corner.
Unfortunately, the D’Angelo Russell Breakout Tour might have to be put on hold for a while. He might miss some time after being diagnosed with a moderate ankle sprain after landing awkwardly late in the game. When he returns, however, all eyes will be on him, which is apparently just the way he wants it.
* * *
SB Nation presents: NBA rookies imitate LeBron, Kobe and other stars
See More:
