Lakers Reporter Mike Trudell took to Twitter Sunday night to answer fans’ questions about the team’s current state and future.
Below is a roundup of some of the top questions and answers.
They liked Okafor too, but think Russell has the higher long-term, overall upside. Can’t judge after 5 games. https://t.co/FGkjEKXP71
1/2 Elite passer, can run an offense, shoot + handle the ball. Starting to play better D (3 steals last 2 games)… https://t.co/xWDczPj4WL
2/2 re: Russell: But he’s 19, needs to develop physically, needs time for game to slow down like all young PG’s. Upside remains high.
He played the majority of crunch time tonight in his 5th game. Williams checked in with 1:26 to play. https://t.co/nnBebXBNxy
You’re right that he’s often taking the pull-up J or passing out of it, but that elbow J seems to be a layup to him. https://t.co/jYoPKoNhap
Yesterday, he said this is likely to be his last year. Byron Scott revealed the same sentiment after they talked. https://t.co/x05xGF4jn4
He’s smart, understands there are high expectations. But has people like Kobe on flip side to build his confidence. https://t.co/Qelw6ysBaA
Not sure, but the coaches have been impressed w/his work ethic and development so far. 3 and D guy in the future. https://t.co/pozRV77IYi
Was bad the first 4 games, better against BKN and NYK (helps that neither is potent on O). 2nd unit subs helped. https://t.co/nt5L4wt92u
5 years is an eternity away in the NBA. Development of the 3 young guys is key + tons of $ space to fill in around. https://t.co/q4Qt3AxZoe
Unique athleticism/explosion/skills for a guy that physically strong and solid. Overall, he’s been very good. https://t.co/vkzWo8tW5P
Not at all, they’re really tight off the court. Just guys trying to figure out who has the ball when, etc. https://t.co/4dsktMMuW0
Really, really hard to make that kind of a run in the brutal West with such a young team. Need development time. https://t.co/gMEjJdkV7v
Good question. Instinct is it’s harder to make it as a guard w/Curry, Westbrook, Lillard, etc. so young. So, Randle. https://t.co/OlZZjDcvdX
Nothing stated. Seems like Scott has wanted more defense/athleticism off the pine, + more PT for Russell/Clarkson. https://t.co/GSmc7tetHT
Gotta imagine Randle, Clarkson and Russell will all be there. Smaller chance for Nance if his role keeps expanding. https://t.co/TqqKfInZVI
Solid overall. 18-10-2 today, been a consistent defensive presence, though can only help cover so much. https://t.co/v20cWBIKyX
He’s a smart businessman, not sure he’d have time for TV, though he’d obviously be terrific at it if he wanted to. https://t.co/t622Qhr05a
I’m biased, have seen Clarkson more and would take him. He’s been more productive, but Smart can be good, esp. on D. https://t.co/lchegknAFV
Terrific. Spends a ton of time in the gym w/@tdathletesedge and coaches. Crushed it all summer. Won everybody over. https://t.co/5CsomX7QVe
UGH. So hard. Magic, Kobe, West, Kareem + Wilt if I have to. To leave off Worthy/Elgin/Shaq/Wilkes/Gail! Rough. https://t.co/QAtazwZ7Pc
