Rotation Trust Level: Is D’Angelo Russell’s move to the bench a short-term solution?

After having success in his first two games after moving to the bench, is D’Angelo Russell’s move to a reserve role a short- or long-term solution?

What a great time to introduce a series on the bench one week before a big change in the rotation and starting lineup.

After a lackluster finish to the road trip last week, head coach JJ Redick pulled the trigger on a big lineup change, inserting Cam Reddish in place of D’Angelo Russell. Through two games, it has produced positive results.

Is that sustainable? Well, maybe for the D’Lo part of the equation. But let’s dive into this week’s Rotation Trust Level voting.

D’Angelo Russell

Since moving to the bench, Russell has had two of his best games of the season. Is that a result of moving to the bench or is that simply the fact he was due to bounce back after a slow start?

With the current iteration of the Lakers, his scoring off the bench is needed. When other players become available — looking at you Jarred Vanderbilt — then maybe the dynamics change. For now, I think he’s in a good spot so long as he remains committed to it.

Jaxson Hayes

A strong week from Hayes, who stepped up in a big way in Sunday’s win over the Raptors. With AD out, Hayes played the majority of the second half and his energy on both ends was an important part of the Lakers’ win.

There’s still a pretty hard ceiling on his contributions, but he can be a productive player when he’s in the right role. The other issues is whether he can consistently bring that level of production and effort.

Gabe Vincent

After a Philly game where it was much of the same for Gabe this season, I thought he had a stronger showing against the Raptors. He was good defensively against Immanuel Quickley, if nothing else.

Those are the types of players you would expect Vincent to have success against. The problem is how rare those players are. And that solid outing against Toronto still featured him only making two field goals, tied for the most he’s made this season.

Dalton Knecht

Knecht continues to impress in his growing minutes. He’s one of the first guys off the bench at this point and his role appears to be growing.

That is coming despite him being in a bit of a slump that he might have broken out of against the Raptors. Between the Grizzlies and Sixers games, he went 1-12 from the 3-point line and then missed his first 3-pointer against the Raptors.

Hopefully, the weight of that 3-pointer following in the second half against Toronto helps break the slump and he starts really catching fire.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.