D’Angelo Russell Declares LA Lakers Star ‘Too Talented’ for G-League: ‘I Won’t Return’
In a bold and confident statement, Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell has made it clear that one of his teammates is too talented to be relegated to the NBA’s G-League. Russell’s comments, made during a post-game interview, were in response to rumors circulating about the potential assignment of some of the Lakers’ younger players to the G-League for additional development.
“I won’t name names, but there’s no way a guy with that skillset should be in the G-League,” said Russell, referring to a talented Lakers player whose performance on the court has recently sparked debate. Russell, who himself has been through his fair share of ups and downs in his NBA journey, made it clear that he believes in the intrinsic talent of his teammates. “We’ve got guys who can contribute right now at the highest level, and they don’t need the G-League to prove anything,” he added.
The Lakers have a roster filled with young talent, including promising stars like Austin Reaves and Max Christie, who have shown flashes of brilliance. Despite their potential, questions have arisen about their development and where they might benefit from more consistent playing time. However, Russell believes that some of these players are beyond that stage and are ready to make an immediate impact in the NBA, rather than spending time in the G-League.
The Lakers’ front office has been under pressure to make tough decisions regarding the development of their younger players, especially in a season where the team is focused on competing for a championship. With veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, there is little room for error when it comes to roster decisions. However, Russell’s comments reflect the deep belief within the Lakers’ locker room that talent should be nurtured at the highest level, not in the developmental leagues.
“It’s all about confidence,” Russell said. “When a player knows they’re ready, you’ve got to give them the chance to show it. There’s no reason for anyone on this team to go down to the G-League and play at that level. The NBA is where they belong.”
As the Lakers continue their push toward the postseason, it remains to be seen whether the front office will heed Russell’s words and allow some of their promising young stars to remain in the NBA rotation, bypassing the G-League altogether. One thing is for certain: Russell’s confidence in his teammates is unwavering, and he believes their time has come to shine at the highest level.
