D’Angelo Russell said it’s difficult remaining patient behind Kobe Bryant.
But that seems like nothing compared to playing for Lakers coach Byron Scott, who routinely restricts the rookie.
After the U.S. Team beat the World Team in the Rising Stars challenge, Russell (22 points and seven assists in 16 minutes) and Lakers/U.S. teammate Jordan Clarkson (25 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals in 24 minutes) were asked about their experience. Reporter: “Playing time and roles have been obviously an ongoing thing for you guys this year. What was it like to be unleashed a little bit and kind of show fully what you can do?”
Translation: How did it feel not to play for Byron Scott for a game?
After giving a vanilla answer about having fun, Clarkson – a second-year player – shot Russell a look and said under his breath, “don’t say nothing crazy.”
The exchange begins at the 3:40 mark:
Thankfully, Clarkson wasn’t around for Russell’s interview with Joey Ramirez of Lakers.com.
Clarkson started the Rising Stars Challenge, and Russell came off the bench. The U.S. largely used five-for-five substitutions, so the two Lakers never shared the court. Russell – who was pulled from the Lakers’ starting lineup, which contains Clarkson – was asked about getting to watch Clarkson for a change. He provided this fantastic response:
I hope Russell continues to take Clarkson’s advice so literally. Don’t say nothing crazy. Just make a crazy facial expression to convey your feelings.