D’Angelo Russell has a tougher assignment than any other rookie in the NBA, and that is learning to play with Kobe Bryant. And, yes, it has taken a toll on the former Ohio State star.
Speaking to reporters at the NBA All-Star Game, Russell admitted that it is very difficult to play with Bryant.
“Honestly, it’s hard. It’s not easy,” Russell said, per Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News. “He’s a guy that’s earned every shot he’s taken and earned every minute he’s given. So you feel like being a rookie, but you feel like you’ve worked to be in this position so early. But you’ve just got to be patient.”
The Lakers are one of the worst teams in the NBA, and head coach Byron Scott has called out Russell publicly on numerous occasions. Kobe is difficult on young players behind closed doors, but Russell understands he can learn from it.
“You got to see it firsthand. Game days he’s so focused you can’t really knock him off, distract him or anything like that,” Russell said. “He’s always focused … It’s something we can definitely take and add.”
Bryant hasn’t helped the 11-44 Lakers, as the 37-year-old is shooting a career-low 34.9 percent from the field and is averaging just 16.9 points per game. Despite that, Russell said Kobe has his fair share of “Mamba moments” and deserves every second of his farewell tour.
“When he shows up when he does, he’s a showman and you really enjoy it,” Russell said. “It doesn’t bother me. He’s deserved every bit of this farewell tour. Even though we’re struggling, he deserves it all.”
Russell made it very obvious that playing with Kobe is stressful when he made these remarks earlier in the season. But if the 19-year-old can get through an entire season learning from one of the greatest players to ever live, he’ll have an advantage most rookies can only dream of.
