LeBron James credited D’Angelo Russell’s sacrifice by moving to bench

D’Angelo Russell was sent to the bench and played one of his best games of this young season and LeBron James took notice and credited him for helping the team.

Nine games into the season, Lakers coach JJ Redick has made his first big change of the year.

After stating his starting five before training camp even began, Redick took action after a 1-4 road trip and returned home with a change to his first five. He sent D’Angelo Russell to the bench and started Cam Reddish.

The adjustment worked, as Los Angeles snapped its two-game losing streak on Friday night, beating the Sixers 116-106.

With Russell off the floor, LeBron James had the ball more in his hands and distributed it well, dishing out a season-high 13 assists for the Lakers.

After the victory, LeBron credited Russell and Reddish with being willing to do whatever it takes to win.

“What allowed [the lineups] to work is the sacrifice that D’Lo and Cam have continued to make and, obviously, the biggest sacrifice is D’Lo going to the bench,” James said. “It’s no secret that our bench has been struggling to find ways to score and the best way to change that is to put a scorer on the bench. D’Lo came in and gave us a big time, push off the bench.”

Fans might think it should be easy to adjust and do whatever it takes for the team to win, but that’s not the case.

The NBA has some of the most competitive people on the planet and they want to contribute. All of them feel that the best way for them to do that is to be on the floor.

Embracing a different reality and making an impact regardless of your desires is tough and hearing the team leader acknowledge you doing so has to feel good.

Reddish had to stay ready and not get discouraged even though his season began with three DNPS in the first four games he was available to play. When his number was called versus the Pistons, he shined and Redick said he had “earned some trust” with his play.

That trust resulted in a start versus the Sixers. In the game, he stayed glued to Paul George’s hip and the Sixers star struggled, scoring just nine points while shooting 4-13 from the field.

For Russell, this isn’t the first time he has dealt with being benched during the early parts of a season.

The same scenario happened to him last year, where he was placed as a reserve after 29 games. That didn’t end up being the permanent situation long-term, as he started in 69 of the 76 games he played, but through all the public scrutiny, he performed.

Russell’s 2023-24 campaign was his best as a Laker, setting the franchise record in made 3-pointers while averaging 18 points and 6.3 assists per game.

Having a team that can adjust and, most importantly, win while situations shift is a good sign of a team that has good chemistry and believes in its coach.

With trust, hard work and patience, all things are possible, from a repeat as In-Season Tournament champions to a No. 18 NBA title.

These adjustments and growing pains will be part of getting there.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.