The Los Angeles Lakers’ young guns, Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell, nearly downed the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Plenty of raised eyebrows and angry scowls came from the Los Angeles Lakers faithful after head coach Byron Scott decided to bench Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell. There was plenty of fuss about stunted development from the move. Others had their reservations due to the abysmal record that the team is sporting (3-19).
Both factors are in play, but regardless of how fans or Randle and Russell themselves feel about the situation, their performance still must be there. On Wednesday night, they certainly answered the bell and any questions about where they would go as reserves.
Randle and Russell finished the Lakers’ matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves posting a combined 43 points, including the game-tying basket by Russell to send it into overtime.
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Despite a 123-122 loss, Russell set a career-high with 23 points. The one glaring difference in Russell’s approach to the game was aggression. For maybe the first time this year, Russell looked to attack the basket, while mixing things up with playmaking and shooting. The aggression was much-needed, as he scored nine of the Lakers’ last 11 points before overtime.
Randle showed all the tricks in his bag, as well, including an impressive move and finish matched with Andrew Wiggins.
This game also makes back-to-back double-doubles for Julius Randle.
With one of his more selfless moves, it was Kobe Bryant who implored Byron Scott to give the Lakers’ young guns the “go” down the stretch.
Kobe did not play after 3:56 of third quarter because he told Byron, "Let them go." He was talking about Lakers young players.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) December 10, 2015
The moment is probably one that can be cherished by Bryant, Randle, and Russell. As many fans clamored all year, letting the core complete close games provides priceless experience. Win or lose, players learn about themselves and their limitations. Along with limitations, the players find out what allows them to flourish.
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With plenty of time left in the season, it’s a ray of hope that this Lakers team learn from a moment like tonight’s loss. Sometimes when you suffer defeat, there’s moral victories to be gained.