The Los Angeles Lakers seem to have found their rhythm back. They’ve gone through stretches of inconsistency but the team seems to have clicked. The latest episode of the ‘Backyard Podcast‘ explored just that and questioned D’Angelo Russell about what’s changed for the team.

Russell spoke about the team’s environment and chemistry. Referring to playoffs he compared it to March Madness where teams are fighting hard to get the success and secure that playoff spot. He agreed that the Lakers’ struggled early in the tournament but are back to clinch another postseason year. Especially with the recent uptick in their performance because of a newfound sense of enjoyment on the court.

Fun Over Pressure: A Recipe for Success of Lakers Team

Russell described how basketball is different as compared to other sports. It gives you the freedom to only focus on the game. “There’s a lot less pressure around,” he said. “There’s no off-court drama or politics to worry about. Players can simply come to work and hoop like the legendary Kawhi Leonard.” Russell believes the key for the Lakers was building genuine connections with each other.

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“We interacted more off the court” he explained. Teammates attended each other’s events, hung out, and even took Ubers together. This camaraderie translated onto the court. “The more fun I have with my teammates, the more we win” Russell concluded. This sentiment is supported by Johnson who pointed out the importance of enjoying with teammates as these are the guys you spend more time with than your family.

Read More: D’Angelo Russell Rises Above “Humiliation” After Steering Lakers Past Bucks

Camaraderie Makes the Difference

The host referred to the previous podcast episode where Anthony Davis spoke about the importance of team bonding during the NBA bubble season. Activities like playing Madden together helped build a strong foundation for success on the court. Russell agreed saying, “camaraderie is real.”

Co-Host Johnson spoke about the Team’s chemistry from the point of view of fans. Fans can easily see and pick up a team’s energy. As, per him when Lakers weren’t winning, fans could sense disharmony. Now with a more cohesive roster, positive vibes translate to the court creating a winning atmosphere.

The Lakers highlight the importance of team culture in professional sports. By having fun making genuine connections and enjoying the game, Russell and his teammates have discovered a winning formula. The results of the open communication and strong bonds helped the Lakers pull off a nail-biter against the Bucks despite LeBron James missing the game. Will LAL be able to drill their way to another championship with their on and off-court chemistry?

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