Lakers Coach Darvin Ham Explains Why D’Angelo Russell Playoff Struggles Lead To ‘Big Year’

D’Angelo Russell seemed like a good option for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, but he struggled in the playoffs. Many believed that the team will move on from him in the offseason. However, the front office gave him a contract. Russell struggled on both ends of the game. How will he contribute this season? If you ask head coach Darvin Ham, he will say that Russell will have a really good season with the Lakers. He has zero concerns about the talented player.

Russell won’t deal with inconsistency in the 2023-24 NBA season. That’s what Ham suggests in his comments for the media. Russell has enough experience and talent to make things work in the upcoming season.

Ham has great expectations from the player. He is also convinced that Russell will bounce back from his disappointing playoff performance.

“He had a tough series against Denver but it doesn’t represent who he is as a basketball player … That type of thing — for a guy like him, the way he’s programmed — that’s more fuel to the fire, as opposed to being ostracized,” Ham said of Russell. “He has that chip on his shoulder. He wants to help us win … That’s what the preseason has shown thus far. He’s really hitting on all cylinders.”

Ham predicted a good season for Russell

The Lakers have a few good reasons to trust Russell. He helped the team fix some of the damage made in the first half of the season. He was given a big role with the Lakers and the team wanted to see more of his hit isolation shots and offensive skills. Fans didn’t see much of this in the playoffs.

Lakers players are healthy now and there is no room for panic. LeBron James looks great and Austin Reaves is set for a really good season. These two would make things easier for Russell on the offensive side of the ball.