In the aftermath of the Los Angeles Lakers’ commanding 136-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, all eyes were on point guard D’Angelo Russell as he etched his name into franchise history. Russell’s scintillating performance saw him tie Nick Van Exel’s long-standing record for the most 3-pointers made in a single season, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Coach Darvin Ham couldn’t help but praise Russell’s remarkable shooting display, likening his endorsement to something beyond a mere green light: a green room.
Russell’s 6-for-10 shooting from beyond the arc, coupled with a stellar overall performance of 27 points and 10 assists, propelled the Lakers to a dominant victory, with the team shooting an impressive 57.8% from the field and 41.7% from downtown.
Reflecting on Ham’s trust in him, Russell expressed gratitude, emphasizing that such recognition wasn’t handed to him but earned through hard work. His career-best 41.9% shooting from 3-point range this season places him among the league’s elite marksmen, a fact not lost on Ham, who emphasized the importance of Russell’s sharpshooting prowess to the team’s success.
Russell’s achievement of matching Van Exel’s record in just 64 games, surpassing Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in the process, highlights the significance of his accomplishment. While he appreciates the acknowledgment, Russell remains focused on contributing to his team’s success night in and night out.
The significance of Russell’s record-breaking performance extends beyond personal accolades, as it coincided with a much-needed victory for the Lakers, ending a two-game losing streak. With Anthony Davis returning from injury to deliver a stellar performance, alongside LeBron James, Russell’s feat adds to the team’s momentum as they gear up for future challenges.
Davis, while acknowledging Russell’s accomplishment, teased him about a particular shot attempt, confident that the young guard would surpass Van Exel’s record in the next game. For Davis, Russell’s success is not just about individual achievements but also about rallying around a teammate amidst various distractions, demonstrating the team’s unity and support for one another.
As Russell continues to make his mark in Lakers history, his teammates and coaches alike recognize his importance to the team’s aspirations, both on and off the court.
