Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell Responds to JJ Redick Demoting Him From Starting Lineup

Shortly before the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Philadelphia 76ers tipped off on Friday, head coach JJ Redick made the decision to take guard D’Angelo Russell out of the starting lineup. With the move, it became the second straight season that Russell was moved to being a reserve player during the year.

However, this time around, he seemed completely fine with the decision.

“I just wanted to win,” Russell said after scoring 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting with three assists as a reserve. “So whatever it took, change of plans, whatever it is, whatever Coach needs, try to get the win and be a part of that.”

The veteran guard wasn’t happy about the move last year under former head coach Darvin Ham. But It seems that playing for Redick has changed his way of thinking.

“I left all that, all my baggage at the door this summer once we changed coaches and new staff came in,” Russell said of the difference in his digesting Redick’s decision. “I was committed to whatever it takes. That’s what y’all see now.”

Russell has struggled a little to start the year and was benched during the Lakers’ loss to the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this week. Los Angeles made the change due to them going 1-4 on a road trip after a 3-0 start.

Redick felt like this was something he needed to do and wasn’t afraid to pull the trigger this early into the season.

“We’ve asked him to do things. He’s been accepting of the role,” Redick said. “He has talked with me all the time. He has a really strong desire to win, and he has a really strong desire to be coached. And our communication level from June 20 to today has been nothing but open, honest and transparent. And I would assume it will continue to be.”

The move seemed to work, at least for now. Los Angeles took down the 76ers to get another win, but Russell’s buy-in made the difference.

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He likely knows that the Lakers could trade him at the trade deadline, so playing the team leader role could be important. Russell came up huge by chipping in 18 points to help them beat Philadelphia so this new role could stick around for the time being.

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