D’Angelo Russell is going to get the Hall-of-Fame treatment this summer as he prepares for the follow-up to his rookie season.
The former second overall pick had lunch with Lakers legend Magic Johnson over the weekend, and they apparently hit it off. Johnson announced on Twitter that he’s going to mentor and work out with Russell in the offseason.
Laker Nation: I had a really good lunch meeting with D’Angelo Russell!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 1, 2016
In my meeting with D’Angelo Russell, he picked my brain about the PG position and I’m looking forward to working out with him this summer!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 1, 2016
Laker Nation: I’m looking forward to being a mentor to D’Angelo Russell on and off the court.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 2, 2016
Russell averaged 13.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists during his rookie campaign. He closed out the season on a disappointing note, averaging a modest 13.2 points over the last seven games despite playing well over 30 minutes. Then there was the secret video Russell recorded of teammate Nick Young during a private conversation that ended up being leaked on the internet.
With Johnson’s help, Russell will learn to become a better player on the court and a better teammate off it. That, along with the guidance of new head coach Luke Walton, will help shape Russell into the player the Lakers envisioned when they drafted him.
