Los Angeles Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell had no problems with the team's decision to start him alongside guard Jordan Clarkson. Many saw the Russell and Clarkson backcourt in the starting lineup prior to this year's NBA season, but it fell apart before the season started. Lakers coach Luke Walton had other plans in mind as he decided to start Jordan Clarkson off the bench, and promote Nick Young to the starting five.
On Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, coach Walton put Russell and Clarkson together in the opening five lineup for the first time this season.
The experiment turned out more than well for the team as Russell finished the game with a career-high 40-point performance, while Clarkson added 19 points. According to Russell, he and Clarkson have a great relationship.
''Yeah. JC (Jordan Clarkson) is great, he's very complimentative towards me on the court," D'Angelo Russell told reported after the game, in an interview which can be found on the Lakers Nation YouTube channel. ''You know, whatever the coaching staff does, you know, I roll, I trust the coaching staff, whatever they (are) trying to do, whatever they're planning.''
The Lakers fought hard against Cleveland
The Los Angeles Lakers ended on the losing side against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday at Staples Center.
The Cavaliers, who were down by 11 points at the beginning of the fourth quarter, handed a 125-120 loss to the L.A. team. ''I felt like we didn't have anything to lose,'' D'Angelo Russell said after a loss to the 2016 NBA champions. ''So, we went out there and competed the whole game.
They responded the way they were supposed to respond.''
Russell gives big recognition to Kyrie Irving
Cleveland Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving had a night to remember against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. The 24-year-old scored 46 points on Sunday on 15-of-21 shooting from the field, and was a big contributor in his team's win over L.A.
''He is one of the best guards in this league for a reason,'' Russell said of Irving. ''You know, he's a professional scorer -- he makes shots, tough shots. You just got to try to make it as tough as you can every time (when you play against him).''
Full interview:
