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Los Angeles Lakers: Why D’Angelo Russell Was The Perfect Pick

By Chris Walton

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You can’t talk about California without mentioning the movie stars, the weather and the Los Angeles Lakers. For every young basketball player, the dream of wearing the purple and gold as a fan is enough to make a man emotional.

D’Angelo Russell was the most recent player blessed with the opportunity to do so. His selection means he will follow in the footsteps of Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Magic Johnson, all under the tutelage of Kobe Bryant as a teammate. Things couldn’t work out any better for the 19-year old. He should enjoy the pursuit of Laker glory over the next couple of years.

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When you speak about dynamic players, you can’t help but to think of Showtime in Los Angeles. Coupled with the style of today’s game and the nostalgia of uptempo from the 1980s, it made it clear that Russell was a more suitable choice to draft. Have you seen some of this guy’s moves on the court? He simply captivates the crowd just the way that the Hollywood star-filled arena loves to pay big bucks for in the Staples Center.

Entering the draft, the one thing outside of his insanely high IQ or passing ability is his supreme confidence and flair. Russell has the kind of swagger reminiscent of players like the aforementioned Magic Johnson. He’s confident in his abilities, and he welcomes the challenge of the Los Angeles pressure. Prior to the NBA Draft, he voiced his nod at the top prospect to BasketballInsiders.com:

"“Honestly, I feel like I’m a basketball player,” said Russell. “So if the ball is in my hands, I guess that makes me a point guard, but if it’s not I guess I’m a two-guard.”"

What fans and corporations love about the NBA is the ability to recognize players instantly, where they don’t wear helmets or caps like the NFL and MLB. All faces are visible and we get to see their emotions and expressions on the court. Along with that, players often exhibit their styles and brands. Russell is an ideal player to carry a brand like the Lakers or any endorser looking to sign him.

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    • Consider that his teammate Kobe Bryant ($49.5 million earned) made this year’s Forbes list, along with NBA counterpart LeBron James ($64.8 million earned). Off-the-court success is going to be just as important for what Russell will do on the court. His play will keep Lakers merchandise selling and the team on our television screens. We all know that the Lakers and Time Warner Cable want to make sure they keep fans locked into their network. Russell strengthens the ability to bring in revenue.

    One could argue that it was not only his skills won over the Lakers, but Russell’s personality that made him a better fit than Jahlil Okafor. All due respect to the Duke big man, but Russell seems to live for the bright lights of the Los Angeles stage. The team is looking to stay dynamic, and keep pace with the NBA’s elite by keeping fan-favorites in our faces.

    While a big man has historically been at the center of the Lakers franchise, we all know that fans love the excitement of guard-play. Dazzling ball-handling, deadeye shooting, and explosiveness are all of our viewing pleasures. Russell can bring the type of electricity that lit Steph Curry lights up Oracle Arena with on a nightly basis. He also exhibits the fashion that Russell Westbrook brings, as we all saw with his Ohio State-themed Draft Day suit. These things mean more than we can imagine to fans.

    Recently, Russell chose to wear the No. 1 jersey this season with the Lakers. His selection is indicative of his arrival as one of the pieces that will lead Los Angeles back to the Promised Land. Time will certainly tell if the burden will be too great for him, but as of now, the young man seems poised to take the task head-on. Confidence is the most encouraging sign, and now he must back it up with his play and the way he carries himself.

    Next: 5 Potential Partners For A DeMarcus Cousins Trade

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