Lakers Have 1 Big Locker Room Concern Right Now

The Los Angeles Lakers got off to a hot 3-0 start under J.J. Redick to start the year.

Everyone thought a new era had arrived.

Then L.A. came crashing back down.

The Lakers went 3-4 in their next seven Games and now sit exactly where they have sat for the past few seasons – at the bottom of the Western Conference playoff race.

NHL Fan’s Inappropriate Behavior At Devils Game Goes Viral https://t.co/W1dfwrxh1a

— Game 7 (@game7__) November 11, 2024

In response to all the losing, Redick opted to bench D’Angelo Russell. The exact moment when he made that decisionv ultimately went viral in the aftermath.

Since then, both Russell and his backcourt mate, Austin Reaves, have seemingly played better.

So is all good then? Not exactly.

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— Game 7 (@game7__) November 6, 2024

According to team insider Anthony Irwin, L.A. has one big locker room concern right now.

“Sources say the players were somewhat surprised Redick went away from Russell as quickly as he did, but, through improved communication, Redick has been able to maintain better buy-in,” the report noted.

“It also helped that he did give that group a shot from the onset of the season. Some internally are still concerned about how Russell will handle this over time, which makes it all the more important the Lakers keep winning as they figure out this new approach.”

It will be interesting to see how Russell ultimately takes to his new role.

If he accepts it – then this could be the perfect situation for all parties involved.

If he doesn’t – then it wouldn’t be all that shocking to see the Lakers take a more aggressive stance in trying to trade Russell away.

Jennifer Withers Hoey

Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about Sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.