NBA Summer League: 5 Takeaways From Week One

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Jul 11, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) congratulates teammates on the floor near the end of an NBA Summer League game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Thomas & Mack Center. The Lakers won 68-60. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

D’Angelo Russell Shows Both Flashes And Struggles

While it’s common for rookies to be up and down during Summer League, Russell has taken that trend to an extreme for the Los Angeles Lakers.

At times, especially the opening minutes of his debut against the Timberwolves, Russell has looked like an absolute star.

His ability to whip passes the length of the court and pitch no-look dimes is phenomenal for a 19-year-old. When Russell isn’t dishing eye-popping passes, he’s putting on dribbling displays and pulling up with step-back jumpers.

D'Angelo Russell hit-ahead passes in transition are my spirit animal.
— Kevin Pelton (@kpelton) July 11, 2015

While Russell has sent Lakers fans to their feet at times, he’s also struggled in many ways to adjust to NBA-level competition through two games.

His lack of athleticism is apparent, as he’s had difficulty beating defenders, including big men, off of the dribble, and his jumper, while smooth, has been inconsistent. So far, the No. 2 overall pick is averaging 11 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, but he’s also turned the ball over six times per game and shot a brutal 30 percent from the field.

It’s obviously extremely early in Russell’s career, but his play through two games in Las Vegas has reignited some of the questions that haunted his otherwise tremendous draft stock.

No.2 pick D'Angelo Russell is pure for his first #NBASummer League points on @nbatv #NBASummer https://t.co/2bRfd5MA1b
— NBA (@NBA) July 11, 2015

As a freshman at Ohio State, Russell struggled with turnovers and shooting against top defenses. In games against tournament-level teams, Russell shot just 35 percent of the field.

If Russell is going to succeed as the franchise scorer that the Lakers were hoping for with the No. 2 selection, he’ll have to become more efficient against NBA-level defenders.

That being said, the flashes of smooth jump shooting, impressive rebounding and elite court vision that he’s shown in Las Vegas should still have Lakers fan excited and craving for more.

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