Los Angeles Lakers roster rumors: D'Angelo Russell grooming the Lakers as he leads by example

Martin Martinez Tuesday, October 11, 2016

D'Angelo Russell of the Los Angeles Lakers. | Wikimedia Commons / Keith Allison

With the Los Angeles Lakers looking to recreate themselves, it seems that their young stars are stepping up.

Kobe Bryant is not around anymore to push the franchise to win, but one of the players seemingly ready to carry the throne is second-year guard D'Angelo Russell.

With his inspired play on the court, some reports reveal that Russell is molding the franchise into a new and impressive identity.

As shown by his numbers in the pre-season, Russell looks like he is the new leader of the Lakers. For a franchise desperate for someone to carry them on his shoulders, it appears they have found a new star.

Speaking to the media, Russell showed just how much he's grown, now playing and sounding like a leader. He said: "The thing about us right now is we don't have an identity. Other teams, they have star players, they've got glue guys, they know what they're capable of.

"It's all about taking everything serious. Every preseason [game], every practice. Every thing we do is serious when we're really trying to identify ourselves."

Russell may also have moved on from his past controversies off the court. Notable is his scene with Nick Young with a recorded audio message. During this incident, Russell recorded a conversation with Young while divulging personal information that would incite conflict in Young's then-relationship with pop star Iggy Azalea.

Now, it appears that Russell has made amends with Young, even connecting with him in a play against the Denver Nuggets.

The season has yet to open officially but the Lakers look ready to make a statement against the other teams who might be overlooking them.

In the middle of it all is Russell, who has a lot riding on his shoulders as the second pick of last year's NBA draft.

He has a lot of pieces around him, with his partner Jordan Clarkson in the backcourt. Meanwhile Julius Randle has another year of growth and rookie Brandon Ingram is also expected to make a splash this year.