D'Angelo Russell Says New Coach Luke Walton is "One Of The Best People I Know"

D'Angelo Russell seems to like his new coach much more than Byron Scott.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

D’Angelo Russell had a tenuous relationship with former Lakers coach Byron Scott. After Russell’s rookie year, Scott was fired, and Los Angeles brought in Luke Walton.

Russell seems to love his new coach.

“He’s one of the best people I know, as far as off the court,” Russell said of Walton on Wednesday, according to Lakers Nation. “We communicate on and off the court as much as possible. I feel like I can call him anytime.”

Walton, the son of NBA legend Bill Walton, served as an assistant with the historic Golden State Warriors from 2014-16. While Golden State head coach Steve Kerr was out early this past season with back issues, Walton guided the Warriors to a 39-4 start.

“He’s not like a head coach that will sit back and just watch his other coaches and colleagues just train other players; he’s always involved,” Russell said. “He’ll get out there and play with you if he wants. It’s just great to have a young coach like him in the building.”

It’s not surprising that Walton will still mix it up on the court with his players. He was a star at Arizona in college and had a solid 10-year pro career, primarily with the Lakers, before retiring in 2013. He has won two NBA titles as a player and one as a coach.

This is a good sign for Lakers fans. Russell, the 2015 No. 2 draft pick, showed promise his rookie year, averaging 13.2 points per game, but he didn’t get as much playing time as some would have liked. His season was also shrouded by the Nick Young/Iggy Azalea controversy.

With Russell, Julius Randle, and Brandon Ingram, Walton has a promising young core. We’ll get our first look at Walton’s Lakers in the preseason Oct. 4.

Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com

Latest in Sports