Byron Scott has experience coaching young point guards. Formally with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Scott coached Kyrie Irving during his first few years in the NBA. Now with the Los Angeles Lakers, Scott is working to develop Russell into a top point guard. With Russell expected to be the point guard of the future for the Lakers' franchise, Scott is confident that he will develop into the same player that Irving is today.
While all eyes were on Kobe Bryant and LeBron James in Thursday's Lakers-Cavaliers matchup, there was a battle brewing between Irving and Russell. Right now, Irving is one of the best point guards in the NBA, but Russell is looking to development into a prototype of the Cavaliers' star. Scott has coached both point guards, and he believes that Russell is on his way to becoming one of the best.
"They're about the same," Scott said. "[Russell] doesn't necessarily enjoy being here 30 minutes earlier than everybody, but he does it. When practice is over, he stays on the floor. He stays out here and gets more shots up and works on his game. So you have to love that about him."
Scott has not always believed that Russell could develop into the same type of player as Irving. The Lakers' head coach was very critical of the rookie early on in the season. That caused Russell to lose his starting spot while getting benched late in games at times. However, since getting moved back into the starting lineup, Russell has taken off and is playing his best basketball of the season. Scott believes that it is all because of the improved work ethic.
"He works harder in practice now," Scott said. "The light for him has kind of come on. Before we start practice, he's a little bit of a clown at times. He has his fun, which is great. But when we bring it in and we start practice, he gets serious."
The battle between Irving and Russell could be a headline for years to come. With just three years separating them in age, they both play similar styles in shooting first while being successful from long range. They both have the confidence needed to lead a team while struggling defensively. Irving told the media following the Cavaliers win over Los Angeles that he has been impressed with the player Russell is becoming, and he looks forward to seeing him for many seasons to come.
"He's been playing unbelievable," Irving said. "That confidence of going through the season -- having that grind, going through the rookie wall, and having older guys challenge him -- and now he's finding his spots and knowing where he can be really aggressive... He's going to be going against a lot of us for years to come, and I'm glad that he's finding his rhythm."
Scott intends for that development to continue, even in the offseason. The head coach is planning on pushing his young players to participate in the NBA's Summer League this year. With Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. all in the yearly stages of their career, Scott wants them to get as much playing time as possible in order to help them take over the franchise in the future.
