It took Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott too long to actually start rookie guard D'Angelo Russell, but that eventuality now seems to be upon us.
Following a 16-point, six-assist performance in a loss to the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, Russell has been named the team's starting point guard for the remainder of the year.
To indicate that this decision was late in the making would be an understatement. At 11-46 on the season, the Lakers need to know what they have in their young players. They also must give Russell the experience that's needed for a rookie they will ask to run the offense.
Russell is averaging 12.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists in just 27.2 minutes of action per game this season.
In order for the Lakers to give him the necessary experience, Russell's minutes need to jump up to the mid 30's — something that might happen here soon. In fact, the second overall pick in last year's draft played 34 minutes against Chicago on Sunday.
The decision to promote Russell to the starting lineup means that Lou Williams will be relegated to bench duties.
This is something to keep an eye on moving forward, especially when it comes to Russell's fantasy production. If he's able to provide better numbers in more playing time, the rookie will become a solid under-the-radar DFS play in smallish slates.