D'Angelo Russell finding his stride since return
Corey Robinson examines D'Angelo Russell's recent return to the lineup and explains why his production should provide optimism for fantasy managers and the Lakers alike.
Video Transcript
COREY ROBINSON: After a six game absence due to a sprained ankle, Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell made his anticipated return to the lineup on March 10, and it couldn't have come at a better time for the Lakers, who are still without LeBron James who has been sidelined by a foot injury. Russell looks sharp in Los Angeles in his 10-point win over Toronto, playing 31 minutes and finishing with 28 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, and 5 3-pointers.
While the four turnovers were a sore spot, this isn't something fantasy managers should be too concerned about. Since joining the Lakers at the trade deadline, Russell is averaging two turnovers per game with seven of the 10 being committed in two of the five outings.
Providing sixth round per game value in 9-cat formats for the season, Russell's production improved in each of his first three games after the trade, with the sprained ankle interrupting that progress. His being able to hit the ground running is a good sign for fantasy managers and the Lakers, who find themselves among the many teams in the West still competing to avoid the Play-In tournament.