Even as D'Angelo Russell's game begins to thrive in Los Angeles, he and Lakers coach Byron Scott still are not on the same page.
The rookie guard and coach cite different reasons for his improved production since becoing a starter for the Lakers, according to The Los Angeles Daily News. And that could impact Scott's future with the team.
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Russell is averaging 17 points and 5.3 assists per game, and he's shooting 50 percent from the floor since Scott put him back in the starting lineup on Feb. 21, The Daily News reported. Coming off the bench, Russell averaged 12.3 points and 3.5 assists per game, and his shooting percentage was 41.8.
"I have more freedom and a longer leash," Russell said. "Earlier in the year, it was no leash."
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Not exactly, Scott countered.
"I don't think I loosened it up. He's just getting more comfortable in his role," Scott said. "I don't feel it was that tight in the first place. He's getting more comfortable and his confidence is growing. His practice habits have gotten so much better."
The fact that Russell seemingly can't understand the difference shows that a disconnect remains between the two. That's why Scott still hesitates when asked about the rookie's ability to become the team leader.
"He could, but that's not something you can appoint," Scott said. "Guys are going to follow guys they believe in and they know about the right stuff."
Russell argued he needs to build a body of work to be able to lead, but Scott also denied that argument, referring to Chris Paul's rookie season when Scott coached him in New Orleans. Paul earned immediate respect, Scott said. Russell is a work in progress.
"He's being a little reluctant," Scott said. "I think that the guys respect him. But they're still sitting there and saying you have to show me this is something you want to do.
"His work ethic has to be that guys are seeing he's willing to bust his butt every single day to get better. Is he a Kobe Bryant type worker? I don't think we have that kind of worker. But he is a guy that works."
Unfortunately for Scott, Russell isn't going anywhere during the offseason. Scott, who has presided over three of the worst seasons in Lakers history, will have to show that Russell can continue to grow under his tutelage to have any chance of returning.
Their communication has to improve for that to happen.
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