NBA: Rookies Who Appear Destined for Stardom

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D Angelo Russell (1) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers center Roy Hibbert (left) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (back) after making a shot during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Lakers won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers

Position: Point Guard

Age: 20

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 2

Slash Line: .425/.357/.716

Season Averages: 27.8 MPG, 13.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.7 3PM

When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted D’Angelo Russell, the response was a conflicted one. Russell has clear and apparent star potential, but the general consensus was that Los Angeles dropped the ball in not staying true to tradition by building around a big man.

After Byron Scott relegated him to the bench for a vast majority of fourth quarters earlier this season, Russell is being turned loose and making his name as a rising star.

With a skill set worth marveling over and the swagger of an NBA superstar, Russell can be as good as he wants to be.

Next: The No. 1 Player