National Basketball Association

D'Angelo Russell's half-court assist may be the best pass of the year

Published Mar. 24, 2016 10:35 a.m. ET

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The Los Angeles Lakers selected D'Angelo Russell with the second pick in last year's draft with the hope that someday he'd eventually become even more than their franchise point guard. He'd be a tentpole, someone to grab the reigns from Kobe Bryant, lead the Lakers to a ton of success and draw thousands of fans into Staples Center for years to come. 

So far, his combination of skill, production, talent and entertainment value has made it hard to argue with their decision. Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns, Russell showed just how much of a genius he can be:

This is a brilliant bounce pass, right through three Phoenix defenders before it safely ends up in Larry Nance Jr.'s hands. Russell gives the ball a brain and its own personality. He makes what should be an impossible delivery look routine. 

The 20-year-old Russell isn't having the smoothest rookie season, but since the All-Star break he's shined like a star in the making. He's averaging 16.9 points and 3.9 assists per game, shooting 41 percent behind the 3-point line. 

The Lakers have quietly been a much better offensive team over the past few weeks, and Russell's emergence as the starting point guard is a big reason why.

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