D'Angelo Russell Adjusts to New Role and Dalton Knecht Thrives as Lakers Start 5 Game Road Trip

The Lakers are 3-0, and now head off for their first road trip of the season. Five games, starting tonight in Phoenix against the Suns. From there, they'll visit Cleveland, Toronto, Detroit and Memphis. That's three playoff teams, and two that aren't expected to be all that competitive. It's a tough trip, which underscores how nice it is for the Lakers to have run the table over their first three games. Had they lost one or two, the prospect of a 2-3 trip—very possible even if they play decent basketball—brings the team back home at or under .500. Now? There's a good chance the Lakers return to LA with a winning record. And the way they're playing, with confidence high and Anthony Davis dominating, surely the Lakers feel they can win more than they lose on the trip. So the practical implications of a 3-0 start are there. But make no mistake, vibes matter, too, and the vibes right now with the Lakers are very, very healthy. There's interesting stuff happening around JJ Redick's early season rotation, as well. It starts with D'Angelo Russell, who is adjusting to a new role in the offense, one that has him holding the ball less than he's used to. Russell, coming off his best game of the season in Saturday's win over Sacramento, is definitely feeling it out. What's the best balance between remaining aggressive, and forcing things too much? What does his role look like when things settle in? Meanwhile, the bench isn't exactly performing with tons of punch. The exception to that, though, is rookie forward Dalton Knecht. His impact on the offense has been tangible, providing confidence and 3-level scoring potential that opposing defenses have to honor. Could he start to eat into the minutes of other guys in the rotation? He did play critical fourth quarter minutes on Saturday, a big show of confidence from the staff. And he definitely has a skill set not easily replicated by other players on the bench. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: D'Angelo Russell adjusts to a new role. SEGMENT 2: Dalton Knecht ascending? SEGMENT 3: Previewing the first big road trip of the season. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place aFIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONEHUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET !Visit FANDUEL.COM t o get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.