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          Is D'Angelo Russell the right guy for the Lakers? Is L.A. holding him back?

          • Chad Ford
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            Chad Ford
            ESPN Senior Writer
            • Senior NBA Writer for ESPN.com
            • ESPN Insider NBA Draft Analyst since 2002
            • Writes ESPN's NBA Draft Top 100 and Lottery Mock Draft
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          • Kevin Pelton
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            Kevin Pelton
            ESPN Senior Writer
            • Co-author, Pro Basketball Prospectus series
            • Formerly a consultant with the Indiana Pacers
            • Developed WARP rating and SCHOENE system
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          Nov 16, 2015, 08:00 AM ET

          For years, ESPN Insider's Chad Ford and Kevin Pelton have simulated the kind of discussions that are happening in front offices around the NBA -- where scouts and statistical experts are breaking down NBA prospects using their "eyes, ears and numbers." This season, those conversations are extending beyond the NBA draft to include prospects in their rookie or sophomore seasons.

          Is D'Angelo Russell underachieving?

          Chad Ford: Three of the top four picks in the 2015 draft are off to terrific starts. Karl-Anthony Towns has been a double-double machine for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jahlil Okafor is averaging 20 PPG for the Philadelphia 76ers and Kristaps Porzingis is having a major impact on the New York Knicks. There's a lot to be excited about there.