D’Angelo Russell is the most recent Lakers participant to laud incoming coach JJ Redick and the brand new programs he’s implementing in LA.
It’s no secret that Russell struggled to forge a robust relationship with the Lakers final coach Darvin Ham over the previous two seasons.
However the guard is having a distinct expertise with Redick.
“I’m not throwing photographs at anyone … however I’ve by no means actually had the chance to construct a relationship with a coach over an extended time period,” Russell mentioned, by way of ESPN. “For me to see how JJ is making an attempt to deliver the playcalls and simply degree of IQ into every follow and every movie session, to see how he’s prioritizing that. I’ve at all times been a man that wishes to prioritize excessive IQ, [high-level] verbiage, [high-level] movie classes … like, let’s rise to that. And he’s clearly doing that. It’s one thing to stay up for.”
Russell went on to elucidate how he was out {golfing} this week and located himself pondering again to one of many performs Redick had already carried out in camp.
He then reached out to Redick and confirmed his appreciation.
“I used to be on the golf course and I used to be fascinated about it and I despatched JJ somewhat voice observe,” Russell mentioned. “Thanking him for placing that [play] out. I’d by no means seen it. I’m not making an attempt to hype it up however I thanked him for displaying me that. … I noticed him entering into his bag proper there and it’s thrilling for gamers to note stuff like that.”
The Lakers will open their preseason with a recreation in opposition to the Timberwolves on Friday, which is able to mark Redick’s NBA teaching debut.
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