On the surface, it appeared that Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell and Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay simply completed a pregame routine that showcased their potential.
Russell made a few 3-pointers before working on post drills. On the other end of the court, Mudiay converted on some pull-up jumpers before perfecting his ball-handling skills. These moments also represented the preparation each rookie point guard took in hopes to give them an extra edge against each other.
“They have a little bit of a rivalry going on,” Lakers coach Byron Scott said before the Lakers hosted the Denver Nuggets on Friday at Staples Center.