Kupchak doesn't believe Russell scandal will hurt Lakers in free agency
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak isn't the least bit concerned that the team's recent video scandal involving No. 2 overall pick D'Angelo Russell will deter free agents from signing with the organization this summer.
A video of Russell filming a private conversation with teammate Nick Young in which he asked a series of leading questions concerning him being unfaithful to his fiance was leaked to the public back in March. As a result, several Lakers players began isolating Russell - who eventually apologized for his actions - with their trust in the rookie shaken.
Kupchak, who spoke to the media during the team's exit interviews on Friday, believes time heals all when it comes to his roster.
"Every day that goes by, it becomes less and less of a story," Kupchak said. '“Both players did the right thing in terms of addressing and, when necessary, making amends or making an apology acknowledging a mistake."
"We’ve dealt with players in this organization, on this team, that have made mistakes over the years, and we’ve gotten through it and had great teams and won championships."
Kupchak also mentioned how he believes Russell and Young can still co-exist on the hardwood next season. However, it's widely believed that the Lakers will look to part ways with Young, who has two years remaining on his contract, with a player option in 2017-18.
Russell is still extremely remorseful for what happened, although he doesn't believe he ever lost his fellow Lakers' trust.
"I wish I never said that,” Russell said. "I don’t feel like I lost my teammates’ trust."
"I’m a funny, goofy guy, but I can’t be funny, goofy, happy-go-lucky all the time like I was before because people were probably laughing with me but now they might just laugh at me. So I wouldn’t say I lost trust. It’s more [that] I’ve got to pick and choose when I do me. I feel like my teammates have been very supportive and Kobe has done a great job of doing that for me."
The Lakers finished the regular season with their worst record in franchise history at 17-65 - which in all likelihood will be a much more vital criterion in whether free agents sign on the dotted line this summer.