D'Angelo Russell is lost. What's worse is Byron Scott isn't even looking for him.
Russell again was a non-factor Tuesday night in the Lakers' 101-88 loss to the Heat that sunk Los Angeles' record to 1-6. The No. 2 pick out of Ohio State had four points, four rebounds and four assists in 21 minutes.
'Fire Byron Scott' Talk Begins To Circulate Around Lakers
The Lakers were outscored by 20 points when Russell was in the lineup, and as has become habit, he sat out the fourth quarter.
Russell said he still doesn't know why he's not playing in the fourth quarters, according to ESPN's Baxter Holmes' tweet that was posted on Deadspin.
Tweet.
Byron Scott Admits Lakers Failed To Evaluate Kristaps Porzingis In Summer Workout
Don't feel bad, D'Angelo, because you're not the only one who's in the dark by Scott's motives. Scott's rationale for leaving Russell on the bench was a head-scratcher.
Tweet.
Deadspin was incredulous over Scott's decision.
"Miami had too big of a lead?" the website asked. "So if Russell can't play in the fourth quarter of close games, and he can't play in the fourth quarter of blowouts, when can he play in the fourth quarter?"
Lakersnation.com also is wondering about Scott's strategy.
"Scott's philosophy has left many confused about his intentions with Russell," lakersnation.com reported. "Not playing the rookie in garbage time is a questionable move to say the least and at times it seems to leave the rookie wondering where he fits on this team."
After a 21-61 record in 2014-15, it appeared the Lakers had nowhere to go but up. There was talk of retooling in the draft and free agency during the offseason that would help the Los Angeles recapture its lost pride.
The Lakers were in trade discussions with Sacramento's DeMarcus Cousins, thought they had the inside track on prized free agent LaMarcus Aldridge or could've taken Jahlil Okafor in the draft.
They did none of those things, putting a world of pressure on Russell to resurrect the franchise.
Earlier in the week, Scott admitted that the Lakers erred in their evaluation of Knicks center Kristaps Porzingis, saying they thought he needed time to develop.
"Porzingis, who was taken fourth by the Knicks, obviously still has room to grow, but so far he has been an above average NBA player," Deadspin indicated. "... But much more puzzling, the Lakers' thought process regarding Porzingis indicates that they believed they would be a playoff contender this season. That's the only reason Porzingis needing time to develop would be a downside, after all.
"... In other words, what in god's name was the Lakers front office looking at that indicated they were so close to competing that they couldn't draft a talented project big man they liked?"
Instead, Los Angeles chose Russell, and Scott promptly gave him one of the shortest leashes in Lakers' draft-pick history.
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