NBA Top-10 Rookie Rankings: Has Mario Hezonja Moved Up?

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D'Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets

Jan 31, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) blocks a shot by Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

7. D’Angelo Russell

Last Ranked: 7

D’Angelo Russell has picked up more steam.

In the Los Angeles Lakers’ last 10 games he is averaging 13.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Most importantly with Russell, he passes the eye test.

Russell’s court vision is top notch, and no one on the Lakers is really shooting all that well so his 41.5 percent field goal percentage is a little excusable at this point. Russell can improve that and his 32 percent 3-point shooting as yet another young player whose basketball skills are just lacking a jumper.

Russell had 16 points, five assists and five rebounds in Los Angeles’ loss to the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. He was just 6 of 18 from the floor in that game.

Russell is getting his chances with a 27 minutes per game and 11.4 field goal attempts per game.

Really, though, watching Russell one can tell he is going to be a special talent when this all unfolds. It is a comfort for the Lakers, as Kobe Bryant departs, he leaves a guy like Russell to blossom.

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