D’Angelo RussellWHO JJ Redick joined the Lakers’ second unit earlier in the day Friday, responded with 18 points for a bench that desperately needed offensive punch and helped the Lakers beat Philadelphia 116-106.
“I just wanted to win,” Russell said in his first response after the match. “So whatever it is, change of plans, whatever it is, whatever coach needs, try to get the win and be a part of it.”
In each of his next two responses, he repeated the phrase.
“I just want to win,” he said.
Learn more: JJ Redick’s critical decision pays off in Lakers’ win over 76ers
Russell, in the final year of a two-year, $36 million contract, got off to a slow start this season under Redick’s offense while taking fewer shots per game than at any point in his career . His usage rate is also at a career low.
“I think just trying to make myself part of what we’re trying to do. And that’s the fit. That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out,” Russell said. “But as far as taking all of this personally and giving you something, I really have nothing. My approach has been to be professional from day one. And I commit to that by not playing, coming off the bench, whatever it is. I am without ego.
“So I just want to win.”
Redick’s decision came after benching Russell for most of the second half during the team’s lopsided loss to Memphis to end their five-game road trip. The Lakers lost four of those games.
He said the lineup change was “smooth.”
Friday against Philadelphia, Reddick started Cam Reddish. Reddish gave the Lakers more size and physicality defensively and Russell responded with one of his best shooting nights of the season.
“I thought both of those guys played the roles they had tonight. Cam took one shot in 27 minutes but had a huge impact on the game defensively. Paul Georges I never started at any point in the game,” Redick said. “…And then for D-Lo, I thought he started in that role as well. A big noise for us coming off the bench. A really effective evening for him. And he just played really good basketball.
The change mirrors moves the Lakers took a year ago when he was then coach. Darvin Ham benched Austin Reavesand later Russell, with the goal of getting more defense in the starting lineup and more offensive juice with the bench.
The Lakers are 29 years oldth in the NBA with 21.9 bench points per game. They are also last in rebounds and assists from bench players.
After Friday’s win, Redick praised the group for its increased energy and effort, two areas he called out after their loss to the Grizzlies.
In Russell, Redick has long said he forged a strong bond with the former All-Star guard and received full buy-in. Friday was no different.
“I’m not surprised he approached the game the way he did and had the performance he had,” Redick said. “Again, we asked him to do things. He… accepted the role. He talked to me all the time. He has a very strong desire to win and he has a very strong desire to be coached. And our level of communication on June 20th (from the day Redick was hired) until today has been open, honest and transparent. And I suspect it will continue to be so.
“But he just came to our meeting today, just with a professional, great attitude, whatever you want. And we see it all the time in the league where guys can take it badly. Like it was some kind of punishment – like playing the victim – and D-Lo didn’t do any of that. And that’s part of the reason he had the game he had.
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This story was originally published in Los Angeles Times.
