Byron Scott Might Actually Be a Genius For Trying to Destroy D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo Russell went off against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night with 39 points on 21 shots. With Kobe Bryant sitting out any game where he wasn’t being presented with a special gift, Byron Scott had no choice but to let Russell play the sport of basketball, an area where he is highly skilled. Russell made 8 of 12 three-point attempts to go along with 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

Scott did his best to completely ruin Russell’s rookie season. He messed with his minutes, sat him, started him, benched him, criticized him, and did his best to ruin his confidence. Meanwhile, Scott played manager on the Kobe Byrant Retirement Tour.

But I think we can now confirm that this was the plan. Scott and the Lakers obviously realized before they drafted Russell 2nd in the draft that he was very good at basketball. Unfortunately, his refusal to get injured meant that the Lakers had to do something about someone on their roster who could help them win games.

Now the Lakers must hope that Kobe Byrant returns so Russell is never allowed to take so many shots again. After all, the Phoenix Suns are a mere 3-games up in the win column.