Heading into a new season under a new head coach, D’Angelo Russell spent media day throwing some not-so-subtle digs on former coach Darvin Ham.
Last season was quite the ride for D’Angelo Russell. After entering the season as a starter, D’Lo had plenty of highs and lows, ranging from being on the trade block once again after a slump to playing some of the best basketball of his career.
The lowest of lows, though, came when he was benched fairly early in the season. In hindsight, it was a move that went some way in turning the locker room against head coach Darvin Ham.
It also appears to be something that turned D’Lo against Ham, too.
In his first public appearance since an offseason when he surprisingly picked up his player option to remain in Los Angeles, D’Lo had a theme to his comments throughout the day. Let’s see if you can pick it out.
Both of those quotes came in his formal interview on stage, but there were plenty of other places he was giving quotes as well.
D’Lo also went on Spectrum SportsNet prior to his actual media day interview and had some more barbs to hand out.
Russell rounded out the interview tour by stopping by ESPN LA 710 to talk to Mason & Ireland. In his defense in this interview, his criticisms felt more directed at the NBA and Lakers as a franchise, but nonetheless…
It’s quite a dramatic change from last offseason when Russell spoke about his relationship with Ham and how much he appreciated their dialogue. A lot of things played out during the season that certainly seems to have changed that relationship.
D’Lo wasn’t alone in throwing some shade, either. Cam Reddish followed him on ESPN LA and, unprompted, offered a similar criticism.
It’s still up in the air if the Lakers are actually going to be better this season than last, especially given the inexperience of Redick. And from a win-loss perspective, they actually were a pretty good team in a talented Western Conference last season.
But from a process and vibes standpoint, it sure seems like the Lakers are in a much happier place heading into this season under Redick.