J.J. Redick, a former NBA player turned assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, made a bold decision during the Lakers’ recent loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, benching D’Angelo Russell for the final 20 minutes of the game. The move immediately sparked questions about Russell’s role on the team, especially since he has been a central figure in the Lakers’ lineup since being acquired in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves in February 2023.

When asked about his decision to sit Russell during such a critical stretch of the game, Redick was straightforward and candid with his explanation. “The level of compete,” Redick said. “Attention to detail. Some of the things we’ve talked to him about for a couple of weeks now. At times, he’s been really good, but at other times, he’s reverted back to certain habits.”

The Lakers have been vocal about their desire to see Russell improve in certain areas—particularly his defensive intensity and consistency in running the offense. Redick’s comments suggested that, while Russell has shown glimpses of his potential, he hasn’t been able to put together consistent efforts, especially in key moments. This lack of reliability has led to the Lakers’ coaching staff, including Redick, reevaluating his role in the rotation.

Redick was quick to clarify, however, that the decision to bench Russell was not a form of punishment but rather a tactical decision to give the Lakers the best chance to win. “It wasn’t like a punishment,” Redick explained. “But for us to have a chance to win this game, that was the route we wanted to take.” The Lakers had been struggling throughout the game, and Redick noted that guard Gabe Vincent had been particularly impressive on the defensive end in the first half. “Gabe in the first half, especially defensively, was fantastic,” he said. “I just wanted to see what that looked like moving forward.”

The Lakers’ struggles with Russell go beyond just this game. For more than a year, the team has been actively trying to trade Russell, with no success. Despite his high skill level and past All-Star appearances, there seems to be little market for a player who has struggled to live up to expectations, especially on the defensive end. Redick’s comments shed light on why Russell has been such a tough player for the Lakers to integrate consistently. His inability to adapt to the team’s defensive system, coupled with occasional lapses in focus and discipline, has made him a difficult player to trust in high-stakes situations.

What makes this situation even more poignant is the fact that Russell had been a key part of the Lakers’ success in their run to the 2023 NBA Finals. His offensive play, particularly as a secondary ball handler, had been a vital piece of the Lakers’ attack alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But as the season has progressed, his flaws have become more glaring, and his playing time has fluctuated accordingly. This benching by Redick only highlights the growing frustration within the coaching staff and front office.

While Redick’s comments provide some insight into Russell’s struggles, they also point to larger issues within the Lakers’ organization. The team is clearly seeking more consistency, especially from a player like Russell, who has been expected to step into a starting role and provide stability in the backcourt. The fact that the Lakers have been actively trying to move him for over a year now without finding a taker suggests that teams around the league are also skeptical of Russell’s ability to meet the high standards that a contending team like the Lakers requires.

In addition to his on-court struggles, there are also questions about Russell’s fit with the Lakers’ long-term plans. The Lakers have been working on building a championship-contending roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and every move is carefully calculated to maximize their chances of success. Russell, who has been inconsistent at best, seems to be on the outside looking in when it comes to the Lakers’ vision for the future.

This recent benching and Redick’s comments have only fueled speculation that the Lakers may be closer than ever to parting ways with Russell, either through a trade or possibly even a buyout if the team is unable to find a trade partner. With the deadline approaching and the team in need of upgrades to its roster, Russell’s future in Los Angeles is increasingly uncertain.

The larger takeaway here is the growing tension between the Lakers and D’Angelo Russell. While there’s no question that Russell has the talent to be an impactful player, the coaching staff’s lack of trust in him—evidenced by Redick’s decision to bench him in a crucial game—signals that his time in Los Angeles may be nearing its end. For a team in win-now mode, consistency and reliability are paramount, and Russell has yet to prove he can be a steady contributor when it matters most.

As the trade deadline looms and rumors continue to swirl, it will be interesting to see how the Lakers approach their pursuit of a new backcourt solution. Russell, for all his skill, may no longer be the answer the Lakers are looking for, and Redick’s comments provide an unsettling glimpse into the reason why. For now, it seems that Russell’s future with the Lakers will depend on his ability to regain the trust of his coaching staff and prove that he can adapt to the team’s defensive schemes and team-first mentality—or else, his time in Los Angeles may soon come to a close.