Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers' Scott says rookie Russell doesn't have maturity of Kyrie, CP3

Published Feb. 11, 2016 2:15 p.m. ET

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Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott, once again, offered criticism about rookie D'Angelo Russell. This time, Scott said the point guard doesn't have the maturity that Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving had.

Lakers' Byron Scott says D'Angelo Russell not as mature as Kyrie Irving, Chris Paul were as rookies: https://t.co/08j7qfAlH6
— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) February 11, 2016

Scott coached Paul during his rookie season as Hornets head coach in 2005-06. Paul won Rookie of the Year after playing two years at Wake Forest University. He averaged 16.1 points with 7.8 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game. Irving won the 2012 Rookie of the Year Award, averaging 18.5 points per game with 5.4 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game as a 19-year-old rookie.

In a report via ESPN, Scott admitted he hasn't been the "easiest man in the world" on Russell. He also explained that he thinks the rookie has the potential to be a "very good basketball player" and that's why he continues to try to develop him. But does Scott think Russell has potential to be as good as Irving and Paul?

"[Irving] was just a little bit more mature. At 19, he was a little bit more businesslike at practice and games. D’Angelo still has a playfulness about him. Sometimes in practice he’s joking around and losing a little bit of focus. But he’s 19. I understand that. Chris Paul was probably like 23 years old by the time he came into the league in his mental capacity. But like I said, each point guard, each guy I have, is different.

Kyrie was a lot farther along. There’s always a time to be serious, and there’s always a time to joke around. So I’m not saying it’s a bad thing -- I’m saying he’s 19. I understand it. I’m not saying it’s bad or good, but Chris Paul wasn’t like that, and Kyrie was a little bit, but not that much. But like I said, again, they’re all different, and I accept that.”

Scott has chastised Russell's maturity all season. Last week, he went as far as saying that the rookie is "not old enough" to meet with him. Russell is 19, which is the same age Irving was when he was drafted by the Cavaliers.

While some think Scott needs to back down from constantly challenging Russell, it's certainly interesting to compare Russell's development with CP3's and Irving's considering all three played for the same coach as a rookie.

Bryan Kalbrosky produces digital content for FOXSports.com. For more, follow him on Twitter @BryanKalbrosky