D’Angelo Russell spent Media Day throwing shade at Darvin Ham
Heading into a new season under a new head coach, D’Angelo Russell spent media day throwing some not-so-subtle digs on former coach Darvin Ham.
Last season was quite the ride for D’Angelo Russell. After entering the season as a starter, D’Lo had plenty of highs and lows, ranging from being on the trade block once again after a slump to playing some of the best basketball of his career.
The lowest of lows, though, came when he was benched fairly early in the season. In hindsight, it was a move that went some way in turning the locker room against head coach Darvin Ham.
It also appears to be something that turned D’Lo against Ham, too.
In his first public appearance since an offseason when he surprisingly picked up his player option to remain in Los Angeles, D’Lo had a theme to his comments throughout the day. Let’s see if you can pick it out.
D'Angelo Russell said the Lakers have been kinda "winging it" since his return to the organization and he mentioned more structure being around this summer.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) September 30, 2024
Russell says he appreciates Redick's support. “His kind words mean a lot to me, because I’m not used to hearing those.” He's certainly self-aware, and knows he's a polarizing figure both around the league and with fans. BK
— Kamenetzky Brothers (@KamBrothers) September 30, 2024
Both of those quotes came in his formal interview on stage, but there were plenty of other places he was giving quotes as well.
D’Lo also went on Spectrum SportsNet prior to his actual media day interview and had some more barbs to hand out.
D-Lo says the Lakers didn't have a "defensive structure" last year.
— Edwin Garcia (@ECreates88) September 30, 2024
D-Lo mentions that before, he had coaches he didn't trust knew what they were talking about. No idea who that could be...
— Edwin Garcia (@ECreates88) September 30, 2024
Russell rounded out the interview tour by stopping by ESPN LA 710 to talk to Mason & Ireland. In his defense in this interview, his criticisms felt more directed at the NBA and Lakers as a franchise, but nonetheless...
Russell talks about the structure the Lakers have now and how that's not always the case for NBA franchises when you leave college.
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) September 30, 2024
"For the Lakers, that's not really been their priority in the past....You feel that now."
It’s quite a dramatic change from last offseason when Russell spoke about his relationship with Ham and how much he appreciated their dialogue. A lot of things played out during the season that certainly seems to have changed that relationship.
D’Lo wasn’t alone in throwing some shade, either. Cam Reddish followed him on ESPN LA and, unprompted, offered a similar criticism.
Cam Reddish on what the summer has been like with JJ Redick
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) September 30, 2024
"I'm not one to compare but it's been really detail-oriented so far."
It’s still up in the air if the Lakers are actually going to be better this season than last, especially given the inexperience of Redick. And from a win-loss perspective, they actually were a pretty good team in a talented Western Conference last season.
But from a process and vibes standpoint, it sure seems like the Lakers are in a much happier place heading into this season under Redick.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.