Watch new Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell and his uncanny passing skill
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On Thursday, the Lakers drafted Ohio State guard D’Angelo Russell, arguably the most talented playmaker in the draft.
The 6-foot-5 19-year-old was recently featured on ESPN’s “Sport Science,” where his passing skill was put on display.
Via the use of eye-tracking technology, Russell was able to recognize passing targets in .241 second, about 10% quicker than any athlete “Sport Science” has measured including Washington Wizards guard John Wall, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and IndyCar driver Will Power.
Russell also managed to pass a basketball past an obstructing wall, creating enough spin to hit a target by causing the ball to change trajectory by four feet.
In addition to his playmaking ability, Russell is a gifted shooter, hitting 41.1% from three-point range while averaging 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists for the Buckeyes.
“He has gifts that you can work really hard and long on, and still not acquire those gifts,” said Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak after the draft. “Some of them you’re just born with or somebody sprinkles a little gold dust on you at some point -- it’s just there.”
Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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