Lakers' Russell: 'I'm egoless' after coming off bench
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick made a bold decision when he removed former All-Star guard D'Angelo Russell from the starting lineup in Friday's 116-106 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Russell, who tallied 18 points and three assists in the game, wasn't bothered by the move. "I'm egoless. I just want to win," he said postgame, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
The 28-year-old added he left his "baggage at the door" when Redick was hired over the summer.
Russell had started every game under the new coaching regime and hadn't come off the bench for L.A. since Jan. 11, 2024 - a 127-109 loss to the Sixers.
Redick was pleased with Russell's professionalism, crediting him for giving the second unit an offensive "pop." Russell's 18 points were tied for the most a bench player has scored for the Lakers this season.
The bench boss also repeatedly said the starting lineup will remain "fluid" throughout the season, according to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times.
Russell has struggled to find his All-Star form this season, averaging a career-low 12.7 points while shooting a dismal 30.8% from deep and just 40% from the field. Friday's contest was only the third time this campaign he's had a field-goal percentage above 50%.
The Lakers improved to 5-4 and currently sit eighth in the Western Conference. They'll host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night.