Lakers' D'Angelo Russell makes feelings clear on Victor Wembanyama's growth under coach Gregg Popovich
Los Angeles Lakers star D'Angelo Russell opened up about Victor Wembanyama and his growth in the NBA during his appearance on 'The Backyard Podcast' on Thursday. The point guard talked about the Frenchman and how he believes he can grow under coach Gregg Popovich.
The former Timberwolves player was asked about Wembanyama, what he thought of the talent, and whether he was surprised by his performances in year 2.
Sending his prayers to coach Pop, D'Angelo made it clear that he did think highly of the 7-footer. Believing that a few years under Popovich would be more beneficial, the guard expressed his views on Wemby:
"Prayers up to him (Gregg Popovich) and his fam but I think Wemby is going to be great. I think he'd even be better if he had Pop, you know kind of really right there to kind of give him all the in's and outs of the game for just one or two years you know? so I am no surprised" stated Russell. (6:38 onwards)
D'Lo believes that Wembanyama is going to be a once in lifetime player and could sweep all the individual accolades available in the NBA. Speaking about his ability, the former NBA All-Star continued:
"I think he's going to be great. I think he is going to surprise the league. He's going to be the first person to win like All-NBA. He's going to be the first player to do something like that (triple crown). All defensive, MVP, and something crazy."
Predicting that Wemby would be a star, Russell believed the clip would resurface later once Wemby proved him right. With the star already performing better in the second season, it could become a reality soon.
D'Angelo Russell opens up on being benched by the Lakers
During another segment of 'The Backyard Podcast,' D'Angelo Russell spoke about his current role with the Lakers. After starting the first eight games during the 2024-25 season, the guard was then dropped by coach JJ Reddick for a lack of form and opened up about his struggles during the podcast.
Speaking about his preparation for games now that he is a role player, the 28-year-old shared that he has tweaked his routine and tries not to get too comfortable sitting:
"[Coming off the bench] is an adjustment… For me, I do what I do to be ready before the game… I’m on the treadmill, I’m on all that stuff. So for me to do that, then I have to cool down a little bit. [But] you are trying to find ways to not be cooling when you would be playing. Just trying to stay loose. Don’t get comfortable with sitting down." explained the Lakers guard.
Averaging 12 points and a 29.2% shooting efficiency as a starter, the former Minnesota star has turned it up a notch as a sixth man, scoring 18 and 15 points in his first two games, while shooting 52% from the field.