Has D'Angelo Russell worn out his welcome? His name has been recently on sports headlines for being benched (in the fourth quarter again) by Byron Scott for being "cocky".
The Lakers lost to the Dallas Mavericks, 92-90, but it was the benching that once again drew attention. This is nothing new for the ones following the Lakers' drama but this time it may go as far as seeing Russell being dealt to other teams – with the right package.
Byron Scott hasn't exactly been a hit with the fans and the team. He has been criticized for his decisions and technically going in a wrong direction. Without going to detail, he has not exactly proven to be a coach made for a team that wants to build its future.
He had issues with Julius Randle and this isn't the first time he was hit for benching Russell. On both occasions, trade rumors have surfaced but this latest one seems to be pretty serious.
While the Lakers made it clear that Russell, Randle and Jordan Clarkson are their pillars of the future, all that seems murky at the moment as long as Scott is calling the shots.
It's one of those cases where firing a head coach has reason but has somehow not happened. The Lakers will of course deny that and continue to issue statements that they will stand by Scott. But the next question is up to when?
It is a given that teams will stand by their players over coaches though there may be exceptions. But in this case, a coach who doesn't get along with a couple of players obviously hints the disappearing respect towards their mentor.
Wasn't that the reason behind David Blatt's firing over at Cleveland (Cavaliers)? If so, then why are the Lakers standing up to Byron Scott who seems to have proven nothing after almost two years?
Scott is a former Laker and hence someone who should be respected. But from a coaching standpoint, his philosophy is not really working, not even a little.
If Russell gets traded, it may be for the Lakers own good. It means they are sticking with Scott.
But in the event they do realize that Scott is also not the right guy, would that not be one of their biggest mistakes?
Right now, whoever the Lakers acquire with Scott around will be senseless. And until they realize that Scott is no good, that is what they will be – no good.
