Scott says ‘entitled’ Russell needed tough love

Byron Scott no longer works for the Los Angeles Lakers, but that doesn’t mean he’s done discussing D’Angelo Russell. Eight days after being fired, the former Lakers coach appeared on The Dan Patrick Show on Monday and sandwiched some criticism of Russell’s work ethic and attitude between compliments about his potential.

Here’s the exchange:

As the Lakers move forward, now that you’re no longer the coach is D’Angelo Russell the long-term — I mean, can he be a star at that position, point guard?

I think he can. Obviously, there will be some question marks with that. His work ethic has to get better. His understanding of the game has to get better, but he has some tools. He can flat out score, he really sees the floor extremely well. So he has some tools you can’t teach, but the little intricate parts of the game are the things he has to learn. And he’s 20 years old. I mean, he’s a young pup, he’s got a long ways to go, but if he puts in the work, I think the kid can be a great player.

Did you have to give him tough love?

Absolutely. Every now and then. I think some of these guys, when they come into the league, they …

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