Byron Scott: When Russell's confidence becomes cockiness, we've got a problem
It looks like Los Angeles Lakers rookie D'Angelo Russell may be in Byron Scott's doghouse once again.
"I love the fact that he has confidence," Scott said to ESPN's Baxter Holmes. "When it gets to the point where it's cockiness, then we've got a problem."
Russell sat the remaining 2:31 for Los Angeles on Tuesday night after hoisting up an inopportune three with the game tied.
"I saw the last couple minutes that he was in that he was really trying to take over the game, and that's not him yet," Scott said. "I want the ball to move a little bit. I thought it stuck with him. He tried to make the big shots and things like that. I understand that, but to me, that's not him right now."
Russell finished the contest with 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting, but failed to record an assist for the first time since early-November.
The second overall pick has endured heavy criticism throughout the season, but has still put together a solid campaign, averaging 12.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 41.7 percent shooting. However, it will take more than just stats to win the respect of Scott.
"I think when you get cocky, you're thinking that there's nothing that you can't do. And if you think that, then you stop working."