Going into the 2015 NBA Draft, many expected the Los Angeles Lakers to focus on getting a big man. As the draft neared, the likelihood of drafting point guard D’Angelo Russell grew, and the Lakers ultimately went in that direction.
Anytime someone is the second overall pick, it comes with a lot of attention, but doing so while going to a storied franchise such as the Lakers brings about even more scrutiny and attention than normal.
That attention doesn’t bother Russell who said that he likes the attention he receives according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
D'Angelo Russell on all the attention since being drafted No. 2: “I like it. It’s cool. Try to tell you guys (media) what you want to hear.”
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 5, 2016
Russell was also adamant that once the season begins and wins and losses pile up, draft position doesn’t matter:
“It’s irrelevant. After you get to your team and win or lose, what pick you were in the draft doesn’t matter.”
One thing that has been apparent with Russell this season is that he doesn’t lack confidence. He enjoys being in the spotlight and doesn’t shy away from the pressure moments. This is something that will bode well for his future as no team is under more constant scrutiny than the Lakers.
Despite the most recent outing against the Atlanta Hawks, Russell has shown that he has serious potential since being reinserted into the starting lineup. The pressure and bright lights will never cease as long as he is a member of the Lakers, so his attitude towards everything is definitely the right mindset to have.
