Byron Scott has been around the league and has had the privilege to handle many of the top point guards today.
That list includes Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers. With each one, he experienced something different, although he did single out one thing different with D'Angelo Russell — maturity.
Scott and Russell have yet to sync in and do something that would help the Lakers' cause, but the head coach believes it will eventually get there. Russell is only 19 and expectedly someone who has a lot to learn, so he doesn't really want to rush things and force himself, according to ESPN.
Russell has yet to blossom and embrace the role that the Lakers envision him to have. But at such a young age, telling him to grow up and take things more seriously is easier said than done.
Scott singles out Russell's playfulness that only shows he has yet to get serious with his National Basketball Association (NBA) career. However, he made it clear as well that he's not calling it a negative trait. He understands the whole situation but also added that he will continue to be hard on Russell until the rookie figures out why.
The thing is there is no timetable for Russell, although Scott has been repeatedly criticized for failing to mold him and the other young guys into something special.
Russell and Randle are two key players that the Lakers consider as part of their future, but the two have somehow struggled under the tutelage of Scott.
The discipline that Scott is applying is understandable. However, despite how many times he emphasizes his tenure and working relationship with current point guard greats mentioned above, the fact remains that Scott has yet to hit pay dirt and prove that he is a fit to remain as the Lakers head coach.
