Los Angeles Lakers: D’Angelo Russell Discusses His Exit Meeting

Los Angeles Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell shared what Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka talked to him about during his exit meeting.

The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t qualify for the postseason, so their 2016-17 season ended last week. A new era is about to begin in Los Angeles, however, as the Lakers shook up their front office right before the NBA Trade Deadline.

Controlling owner Jeanie Buss decided to hire Magic Johnson as president of basketball operations after firing former general manager Mitch Kupchak, vice president of basketball operations Jim Buss, and vice president of public relations John Black.

Soon thereafter, the Lakers named former agent Rob Pelinka as general manager.

With a new management group in place, the Lakers are setting the groundwork for what they hope will be their next championship core. The first time that Johnson and Pelinka got to share their plans was at the exit meetings.

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Meetings lasted about 30 minutes apiece for each player. Goals were laid out for each player, with an overall team goal of improved endurance. The meetings were encouraging for players, as they were excited to hear the plans for the future.

Larry Nance Jr. was one of the players who spoke about the message that was shared. D’Angelo Russell also shared what Johnson and Pelinka want him to improve upon this offseason.

Per Mark Medina of The Orange County Register:

"“Leadership, consistency and changing my body as much as possible,” Russell said following his exit meeting on Tuesday at the Lakers’ practice facility in El Segundo."

There were high expectations when the Lakers selected Russell with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. As a point guard, you’re expected to lead your teammates on the court. It ‘s hard enough doing that as a rookie, but when you’re playing alongside someone such as Kobe Bryant, it can be shell-shocking.

In the past, Russell said that he needed to earn the credibility of his teammates, being mindful of Bryant’s presence. He’s admitted that the credibility thing was a bit of an excuse, but has realized that his play on the court can do a lot of the talking for him.

Per Medina:

"“You need the credibility to a certain extent, but if your teammates see you doing it and what you’re trying to preach or they witness you trying to do the right thing at all times when no one is looking, it gives them a better perspective on you,” Russell said. “I feel like this year for me, it wasn’t consistent enough with my play, with my communication and everything. It wasn’t consistent enough for them to respect what I had to say.”"

Consistency is another one of the things the Lakers are hoping Russell can improve upon. He admitted that he was inconsistent at times during the 2016-17 season, and is right.

Russell was a different player before and after the All-Star Break.

Prior to the All-Star Break, Russell averaged 14.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. He made only 39.2 percent of his shots in 42 games, averaging 26.5 minutes played.

After the All-Star break, Russell averaged 18.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. He played in 21 games, averaging 33.3 minutes played and shooting 42.5 percent.

Part of the increased production can be attributed to the Lakers moving away from veterans. Lou Williams was traded to the Houston Rockets, and Nick Young was eventually shut down, along with Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng.

The extra playing time definitely helped, but Russell could also see improvements happening in his game as the season went on.

"“This year with everything we went through as a team gave me a better blueprint on how I was going to try to attack the leadership qualities I know I have and bring them to light,” Russell said. “Sitting back and thinking of what I can do for each one of my teammates to better them, what I can do and not what anybody else can do. This year gave me a better perspective on that.”"

Russell has been in a leadership position, albeit in a different capacity in high school and in college at Ohio State. He believes He’s ready for the challenge that lays ahead for him.

"“I had always been in a leadership position, but it was where I had to go be the leader,” Russell said. “It was natural to me. What I said to players and how I came prepared to work, it was all natural to me. It was never I had to come this way because everybody is watching or anything like that. It’s all new. I’m ready and excited for it.”"

Russell is saying all of the right things. He knows what he has to work on and sounds willing to improve in those areas this offseason.

Russell’s development is one of the most important things in the Lakers’ rebuild.

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If he can continue taking steps forward and develop into a leader on the court, the Los Angeles Lakers can take that next step forward as a team. It will not be easy, but D’Angelo Russell sounds like he’s ready to put in the necessary effort to make things work.