Go to the 1:47 mark of the above video showing high-flying Zach LaVine throwing down a bunch of dunks during the Team USA scrimmages in Vegas. Now check out D'Angelo Russell doing his best James Harden impersonation as Zach blows past him and takes off for one of his lighting quick dunks. Unlike D'Angelo, Myles Turner made an (unwise) effort to play D and was rewarded with a facial by LaVine.
Damn, D'Angelo. That's your fault!
I'm kidding and as trendy as it is to joke about Russell, the reviews on him, during the summer league and USA camp from teammates and the coaching staff have been nothing but glowing positive ones. On a recent episode of Shaq's Big Podcast, Lakers coach Luke Walton also complimented Russell when asked about the future leaders on the Lakers. So don't be surprised to see D'Angelo have a big year.
Same goes for LaVine. He's been working hard all summer with trainers like Drew Hanlen and even hitting the weights with his scary looking Dad, former NFL player Paul "I'll beat yo a$$" LaVine. So besides seeing LaVine pull off a 3-Peat in the NBA dunk contest, I'm expecting to see a few posters like the one he made with Turner since he's going to be able to take more body contact next season.
