NBA: Post-Summer League Rookie Of The Year Standings

4. D’Angelo Russell – Los Angeles Lakers

The Las Vegas Summer League wasn’t pretty for D’Angelo Russell and the Los Angeles Lakers, but the No. 2 overall pick’s potential is too high to keep him out of the frontrunners for Rookie of the Year.

Russell’s shooting woes and turnover problems in Las Vegas have been a story line over the past few weeks, but his body of work at Ohio State exemplifies his enormous potential. As a freshman, he averaged approximately 19 points, five rebounds and five assists per game while shooting 41 percent from three-point land on his way to becoming a first team All-American and the Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

While Russell had his issues in Las Vegas, he flashed the skills that led him to an elite freshman year. Most notably, his remarkable court vision was on full display as he dished no-look passes and advanced the ball in transition to ignite fast breaks.

Russell has his work cut out for him as he prepares for his rookie year, but he’s in a situation that will help his development.

For one thing, he’ll be playing alongside an all-time great in Kobe Bryant, who should be an excellent mentor for the young guard. Additionally, Russell will likely start right out of the gate, which will give him an opportunity to play big minutes and find early chemistry with the team’s key players, such as Bryant, Roy Hibbert, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle.

It may be ugly early, but if he can develop chemistry with his teammates and rediscover the elite scoring ability that torched Big Ten last season, Russell will be putting up numbers early. Playing in Los Angeles, all eyes will be on the youngster, and if he impresses, you can bet Lakers nation will be pushing for the Rookie of the Year award.

Next: The No. 1 Overall Pick