New Opportunity, New Star? Ten NBA Players Who Could Breakout

By Isaac Harris

Jul 21, 2016

May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) celebrates after making a three-point basket during the third quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jul 9, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D /

1.) D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers

D’Angelo Russell had a rough rookie season to say the least, but those issues look to be behind him as things are starting to fall into place for the young fella.

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First off, the retirement of Kobe Bryant finally allows the Lakers to completely focus on the future and turn the team over to Russell. Throughout all of last season, it was the Bryant tour to each arena as everyone watched Bryant chuck up his classic fade ways. Now, it’s Russell’s team.

Then Russell came into Summer League where he joined fellow high draft pick Brandon Ingram on the Lakers Las Vegas team. Russell stole the show by coming out in his first game dropping 20 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and three steals against New Orleans.

Then he went into the Ingram-Ben Simmons matchup and outshined them both by draining a step back three at the buzzer to win the game. Yes, it’s in the Summer League, but Russell looked to be a different player than last year.

Russell gets the keys to a young Lakers team with no big expectations this season. With Kobe gone and the keys all his, Russell could have a breakout season.