The positive reinforcement touched D’Angelo Russell, who feels emboldened as the Lakers’ leader. It assuaged Jordan Clarkson, who has accepted a bench role without complaint. It motivated Brandon Ingram, who has viewed his reserve role less as a demotion and more as a drive to improve.
It turns out Luke Walton’s coaching approach has even extended toward players low on the depth chart. With second-year forward Anthony Brown facing inconsistency last season with his outside shooting, Walton has outlined one specific message.
“Even if you make 50 in a row or miss 50 in a row,” Walton told Brown, “keep shooting it.