Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell plays his parts to find his role

REPORTING FROM SAN DIEGO â€”  Has D’Angelo Russell already been demoted?

It depends on how that’s viewed, Russell said.

He started the first exhibition game for the Lakers in Hawaii but suffered a bruised glute in the second game and then was held out of the third game against the Toronto Raptors.

But in the last two exhibition games, against Maccabi Haifa of Israel and the Sacramento Kings, Russell came off the bench.

Russell was back starting at point guard Saturday night against the Golden State Warriors at Valley View Casino Arena, but that may have been because Kobe Bryant, who has a bruised lower left leg, didn’t play.

Russell still is trying to figure things out.

“I don’t know, man. I really don’t,� Russell said. “I have no clue at all. Coach [Byron Scott] is going to do what’s best for the team. And if that’s what he sees is me coming off the bench, then it’s best for the team.

“If I’m starting and running the show and being the play-maker, that’s fine too. I mean, guys make a living off that, off the bench or on the floor starting. It doesn’t really matter.�

For Scott’s part, he just wants Russell to stay the course.

“I just want him to play basketball,� Scott said. “I know he’s got a lot of things going on, a lot of things have been said. He doesn’t know if he’s going to start or if he’s going to come off the bench. But either way, his role is going to be the same. Like I said, I’ll be a little more specific with him when the time comes.�

Russell was the second overall pick in last June’s draft.

There are high expectations for him because he’s considered the future for the Lakers.

Russell was asked whether there has been any chatter from “people,� whether it’s the Lakers’ fans, his family and friends or the media, about him not starting those games.

“People. I don’t really care about that,� Russell said. “I just play. It’s not an issue.�

Russell still is learning how to adjust from having played in college at Ohio State. He’s still learning about NBA players and how to play with his own teammates.

“Yeah, it’s a transition from college to this level,� Russell said. “It’s just really knowing that you have guys that have roles that have made a living in this league doing what they do best.

“I’ve got to get a feel for each guy’s position and strength and weaknesses on my team, because at the point guard position, you’ve got to put guys in the best position and let them do what they do best.�

Russell has been a fan of Warriors All-Star guard Stephen Curry.

The two faced off Saturday night for what should be the first of many occasions.

“It’ll give you a thought of where you’re at, personally,� Russell said about playing against Curry. “But I’m looking for a team win. I know if we get a team win like that, it would be a good one for us and guys’ confidence level will go up a lot.�

Follow Broderick Turner on Twitter @BA_Turner