With a grudge, the Los Angeles Lakers go into the 2023–24 campaign. The Lakers advanced from the Play-In Tournament to the NBA Playoffs last year as the eighth seed. Even better, Los Angeles advanced to the Western Conference Finals before falling to the Denver Nuggets. The organization aimed to retain the core following its achievement in the previous year. D’Angelo Russell was among the parts that were most significant. Some, nevertheless, disagree with the team’s choice to have him return. Darvin Ham, the head coach, has quickly dispelled any worries regarding Russell’s aptitude.

In support of D’Angelo Russell, Darvin Ham

Coach Ham explained in a recent interview why it was critical for the Lakers to have Russell return to the team following the previous campaign.

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Without D’Angelo, we are unable to go to the Western Conference Finals. There’s no denying that. He’s a former NBA All-Star who is still a very young player who isn’t quite reaching his prime, but he can play with LeBron and AD and has a unique skill set, Ham told NBA Insider Brandon Robinson.

Russell, according to Ham, was one of the components that “seamlessly” fit into the Lakers’ strategy. For a ninth-year guard, Ham’s perspective makes sense.

After being traded to Los Angeles, Russell averaged 17.4 points, 6.1 assists, and a career-high 41% three-point shooting percentage. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are under less pressure as the offensive leaders because to his scoring and ability to create shots.

With high expectations for LA coming into the season, the former NBA All-Star aims to have an even bigger effect. Russell is a tremendous addition to the Lakers and is still developing into his basketball prime, as Darvin Ham stated.