3 reasons why JJ Redick should consider bringing D'Angelo Russell off the bench
The LA Lakers suffered their fourth loss on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies, and D'Angelo Russell had a rough night shooting the ball. Russell had 12 points on 12 shots and was unable to get his rhythm, so it might be time for coach JJ Redick to consider bringing Russell off the bench.
Playing without Anthony Davis for the first time this season, the Lakers looked lost without their best player. LeBron James had to carry the offensive load, as Russell struggled with his shot. Austin Reaves did his part, while Cam Reddish was solid off the bench.
However, the Lakers will need more than that if they want to win without Davis, who's dealing with a right heel contusion. Redick will have to make some adjustments, and it might be time to make Russell a super sub.
Three reasons why JJ Redick should consider bringing D'Angelo Russell off the bench
#1 - The Lakers lack scoring off the bench
The LA Lakers have the second-worst bench in terms of scoring in the NBA this season. Their bench is averaging just 20.6 points per game, just a bit ahead of the New York Knicks at 20.4 ppg. They are way behind the No. 1 bench-scoring team in the league, the Golden State Warriors, at a whopping 59.4 ppg.
D'Angelo Russell has the scoring acumen to be a successful sixth man. He has more free reign to get his shots off with the second unit. He's a microwave scorer who can heat up any time and can even close games for the Lakers depending on matchups.
#2 D'Angelo Russell can facilitate the role players
Despite being a scorer first, D'Angelo Russell is a capable playmaker with a career average of 5.8 assists per game. He can help get the role players in rhythm and possibly help the LA Lakers gain momentum whenever they are on the court.
In all fairness, the Lakers lack a playmaker off the bench, as Gabe Vincent isn't a pass-first guard. Vincent, along with Max Christie, Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and Jaxson Hayes could play better if they're getting the ball where they need it to be successful.
#3 Starting Cam Reddish, Gabe Vincent or Jarred Vanderbilt improves Lakers' starting five defensively
If JJ Redick decides to bring D'Angelo Russell off the bench, that means one of the role players will get their spot in the starting lineup. Cam Reddish, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt are all better defenders than Russell, making the LA Lakers better at that end of the ball to start games.
Reddish and Vanderbilt offer length and athleticism, while Vincent has the hustle to make things tough for opposing guards. Austin Reaves and LeBron James could split playmaking duties, so it might work.
However, the starting lineup would lack shooting, which means Dalton Knecht is an option. The only problem with Knecht is that he's not a good defender, based on the first few games of his career.